ASKIÁ:
Power First … but I’m Gonna Lead with My BEST Foot Forward
Mixed Media Art by Karen D. Brame, M.A, M.A., GC. D&I, GC.DS
Piece includes vintage track cleats, butcher block paper, chains, felt, metal lock and key, metallic cowrie shells, rubber blocks and paint
ASKIÁ is inspired by 1968 Bronze medal track and field Olympian Dr. John Carlos.
As the national anthem of the United States played in a global broadcast, Carlos took the opportunity to call attention to the status of disparate living conditions of many African-Americans. He wore black socks, to illustrate the pervasive poverty experienced in one of the wealthiest nations in the world. He also proudly and defiantly raised his black leather glove-encased fist in solidarity to the Black Power Movement burgeoning at that time. Despite the negativity, in its myriad forms, that followed, John Carlos persevered in his battle of equity for all. An internationally-acclaimed athlete and activist, he continues to call attention to societal injustices and demand for positive change via nonviolence.
When examining my art piece, viewers readily see the cultural and political dichotomy that I surmise Dr. Carlos experienced. While he wore no shoes at the Olympic ceremony, it is this footwear that had catapulted him to that point in his life and world history. Thus, a pair of track cleats is central to this piece.
Contrasting citizenhood within a Eurocentric country of sponsorship with heritage identity to the Africa Diaspora is apparent. The silver chain and shells represent the wealth of Black gifts, labor, talents and even lives exploited, having been “stomped on”, by the United States. The gold chain and shells are symbolic of commitment, determination and freedom to create and retain Black wealth and wellness, having had a “solid foundation”. The lock and key, interconnected among the chains’ links, speak to past and present calls of tyranny and demands for liberty.
The subtitle of this piece is sourced from the position of the shoes in the blocks and the words on each shoe. In track, a runner places their “POWER” leg in front and it is closest to the starting line. In this piece, that leg is represented by the shoe that references the United States. The runner then places their “LEAD” leg in back, farthest from the starting line. In this piece, that leg is represented by the shoe that references the Africa Diaspora.
“AMANDLA”, which is Xhosa and Zulu for “power”, is declared in silver on the left shoe. “SANKOFA”, which is Akan, most often translates to “It is not wrong to retrieve that which has been lost or stolen” and is emphasized in gold on the right shoe.
Finally, I must share the reason my art piece is entitled “ASKIÁ”. This word, a title and name, originates from Emperor Askiá Muhammad I, who developed (1493 – 1528) Songhai to become the most powerful empire in the history of West Africa! The translation of “ASKIÁ” has most often meant “leader”; “one who takes over by use of power”; and “he who represents the desire not just for personal success but for leaving his mark on the world.”
Indubitably, Dr. John Carlos is ASKIÁ!