I am one of many who knew and loved Muriel Hasbun and was gifted time with her brilliant mind, radiant spirit, and layered/brilliant/complex artwork.
Shortly after Tracing Terruño, her critically acclaimed, multidisciplinary mid-career survey at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City from late 2023 to early 2024, I asked Muriel if she was up for being the first exhibition I would curate in my then position as Acting Director of the Salisbury University Art Galleries on the eastern shore of Maryland. It was a hope and a wish, and she said yes! She suggested I look at her website and select the projects I would like to display. I picked too many. She didn’t say no, instead she walked me through what the projects entailed, and nudged me to pair down and refine.
We decided to ask Andy Grundberg to write something for our modest brochure. He said yes! I was elated, and intimidated, but I pushed forward into what I believe is the best, most complete, cohesive, and successful curatorial effort of my career.
Through teaching, and subtle illumination, she guided me through her projects processing the suffering of war and exile and the loss of her family all while enduring the suffering of her body through draining cancer treatments. Throughout the exhibition, and far beyond, she contained her frustration with me through the delay of the finished brochure, only exuding support and gratitude throughout. Muriel held my suffering on the day after my mom died of cancer—a six year battle—at her artist talk and opening reception for With the Pulse of a Community / Con el pulso de una comunidad (August 26 - October 26, 2024).
Words are not enough to express how much I respect, adore, admire, and will forever miss her. I learned so much from her and I am so grateful she shared so deeply with me in so many ways. Love to her family and friends at this most difficult time, and always.
@murielfoto@salisburyartgalleries
A quick dip in and out of DC. Thanks to my friends for hosting and toasting. I feel very loved. I'll be unveiling 2 new projects in the coming months that will bring me to DC more often. Until then, here's pics of my adventures and a few favorite sites. I didn't get to do a lot, and I missed out on things I wanted to do, but I savor the good times in these times, and always. 💖
A fuller collage of my recent New Orleans visit. Just 4 nights. I arrived home dirty and exhausted. Thank you friends! This highlights dear friends @charbodan504 and @gumdropmama and our Sunday Funday and more. Random jumble of no order. Mostly food.
Thanks for the lovely birthday wishes! What song should I sing tonight at karaoke? This will take place after authentic New York style pizza on the boardwalk (gluten free!), this and a trip to New Orleans = bday wishes 🔓 unlocked ✔️💕 thanks for the good vibes.
Took a walk up Esplanade to visit @trish.tillman at her residency. It was so hot today i had to stop twice for a cold drink, and met this cute bodega kitty. Until next time NOLA. 💖 I had a great trip.
I'm so lucky to have been invited by my dear friend, and former student, @namioshiro , to Life Pieces To Masterpieces 30th Anniversary celebration. LPTM is a D.C.-based youth development organization that uses arts and mentorship to empower Black and Brown boys and young men (ages 3-21) in Wards 7 and 8 to build character, leadership, and positive life skills through creative expression (painting, poetry, music). Way back in 1998 I visited the org and wow has it grown. It was a truly healing and beautiful experience to attend and absorb the love people have for this amazing organization.
I also saw the beautiful Linn Meyers' work hanging in the lobby. 🤩
