Open Art Space is a relaxed, weekly, drop-in program for LGBTQ+ high school students and their allies who are interested in thinking about, and making, art in a creative and welcoming environment.
For this Open Art Space session, we are joined by Steven Baboun, who describes his approach: “For years, photography and portraiture have been a vehicle to elevate, celebrate, and dignify identities that have been challenged, persecuted, or marginalized by the flawed systems we were born into. In this workshop, participants will get familiar with my practice, the basics of photography, and how photography can be used as an ethnological and anthropological tool. Participants will be introduced to the power of authentic representation through the lens-based medium, and will have a chance to build their own sets or worlds using textiles as a landscape for their photo session.
Steven Baboun is a queer, Haitian-Syrian artist from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, who is currently based in New York City. He received a bachelor’s degree in film and media arts with a minor in education studies from American University, and graduated from Parsons School of Design with an MFA in photography. Baboun is a multimedia artist who creates through photography, video, performance, and textile installation. He is the founder and creative director of the creative house Studio Baboun, based in Brooklyn.
This program is free and open to all high-school-age participants. No previous art-making experience or registration is necessary.
Open Art Space meets every Thursday, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building, located at 4 West 54 Street, near Fifth Avenue.
Metrocards, snacks, and supplies will be provided.
Email questions to [email protected].