The Artist Dining Room | Faith Ringgold

About

Faith Ringgold is a recognized painter, writer, sculptor, performance artist and is best known for her narrative quilts, which are recognized worldwide.

For this unique occasion, Faith Ringgold’s long-time friend and gallerist from American Contemporary Art Gallery (ACA) gallery, Dorian Bergen, chef Karl Gritton and organisers and stage designers Ibrahim Cissé and Imann Gaye, will collaborate to create a personal dinner event inspired by Faith’s works.

Dorian will introduce the wonders of Faith’s work, with Karl recreating the atmosphere of Harlem through a bespoke dinner menu, while Iman and Ibrahim will perform Faith’s songs and interact with the novelty of Faith’s creations.

For this supper club, you are invited to step into the environment of one of Faith’s most famous quilts, Tar Beach.  Faith created this ‘story quilt’ as both an artist and children’s author. It tells the story of Cassie Louise Lightfoot, the protagonist in Ringgold’s book, Tar Beach. Several episodes of the story are narrated in the quilt - on the tar roof (tar beach) of their apartment building in New York City.

 Faith Ringgold drew inspiration for her ‘story quilts’ from her childhood in Harlem. Her art explores social and political themes by predominantly featuring stories of empowered female characters of African American origin. For example, Cassie’s ability to fly in Tar Beach gives her the freedom and power to achieve anything she sets her mind to -

“All you need is somewhere to go that you can’t get to any other way. The next thing you know, you’re flying among the stars.”