Groundswell Kicks Off Art for Liberation Conversation Series With “Artivism Future: Manifesting Love & Liberation”

Earlier this month, we announced our Art For Liberation Conversation Series in conjunction with our 25th Anniversary Art for Liberation Fund. The series of virtual public programs will feature Groundswell staff, community members, community partners, alumni, and academics covering topics around the intersectionality of art and social justice.

On February 10^th, the first program in the series, Artivism Future: Manifesting Love & Liberation, took place via a Zoom Webinar that was broadcasted live on Facebook. You can catch the conversation in it's entirety below and keep up with Groundswell via our Facebook Page.

Groundswell Teaching Artist, Jeannette Rodríguez Píneda moderated the panel consisting of Groundswell participants and alumni discussing personal creativity pathways, the necessity of independent experimentation, creating amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, and collectively creating a space for everyone to feel heard through public art.  

The lead partners for our Art for Liberation Fund and Art for Liberation Conversation Series are Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Spectrum.

The Panelists

Amanda Caitlain Jones

Amanda Jones is a freelance Illustrator based in Manhattan, NY. Amanda is a Groundswell alum and a teaching artist at Groundswell. She has a never-ending dedication to helping others from a creative perspective and a deep passion for all things beautiful.

Aleksandra Kwiecien 

Aleksandra Kwiecien is a Polish mixed media and printmaking artist living in NYC. The Senior at Edward R Murrow uses symbolism inspired by family and memories of mother land in her work and has a deep appreciation for birds.

Brandon Bendter

Brandon Bendter is an artist, architecture major, and seeker of enjoyment in all aspects of life. The Groundswell alum works primarily graphite, ink, and paint. He sees his craft as the main means of achieving happiness.

Cipta Hussain

Cipta Hussain is an aspiring cybersecurity engineer who loves reading and open-source education. He considers himself a staunch admirer/supporter of art, activism, and how they intersect here at Groundswell.

Daniel Patrick Jr

Daniel Patrick Jr. is a queer African American artist from Brooklyn, NY. He comes from a large Caribbean family and is known for creating characters and fashion illustrations using bold color schemes and statuesque black models. Daniel has been a Groundswell participant for the past two years creating prints inspired by what it is like being a queer African American in America. His goal is to create prints for other enduring issues across America using a variety of different artistic mediums.