Prompter: Tya Alisa Anthony
Discussion Prompt
The concept of artists working in silos is multifaceted, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some artists find solace and focus in working alone, while others thrive in collaborative environments. The art world is diverse, and artists’ choices are influenced by personal preferences, artistic goals, and the nature of their work. Breaking boundaries and exploring new ways of creating and sharing art can lead to exciting developments and a broader understanding of the art world.
Silos and Individualism: Let’s explore whether artists who work alone are now considered to be working in isolation or silos. This may be a matter of perspective, and it’s important to note that not all artists who work alone are not disconnected from the art world or their peers.
Interdisciplinary Artists: Whether artists working across multiple mediums or engaging in interdisciplinary practices are excluded from individualism. Interdisciplinary artists can certainly maintain their individuality while drawing from various fields.
Boundaries and Distribution: The practice of artists aligning with galleries, museums, or academic settings creates boundaries. These institutions can provide exposure and opportunities but may also come with certain expectations.
Regional Art Co-Ops and Collaborations: Let’s consider whether regional art cooperatives or collaborations can hinder the expansion of the art canon. These collaborations can both foster and challenge artistic boundaries.
Silos and Innovation: Are artists working in silos more or less innovative? Working in isolation may allow for deep focus, but collaboration can lead to fresh perspectives and ideas.
Safety and Predictability: Allow us the space for questioning whether working in a silo provides a sense of safety and predictability. Some artists may find comfort in this, while others might see it as limiting.
Silo as a Physical Space: Artists working within physical silos, which can provide a unique setting for focused creation. These spaces might resemble individual studios.
Trust and Dependencies: Let’s consider whether working in silos can lead to dependencies and restraints. Trust in one’s creative process is essential, but over-reliance on it can be limiting.
Artistic Evolution: As artists mature, they may become a silo in themselves. This may relate to personal artistic growth and development.
Co-Ops, Studios, and Collectives: Greatly interested in the benefits of working within artistic collectives. These environments can foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
Breaking Boundaries: Let’s continue to be intrigued by the idea of breaking artistic boundaries and barriers. Exploring new ways of creating and sharing art outside of traditional silos can lead to new forms of expression.
Resources
How to build silos and decrease collaboration (on purpose), Jade Rubick
Constraints that Enable: Creating Spaces for Artistic Inquiry, Juan Carlos Castro
The Artistry of Systemic Change, Richard Evans and Eric Booth
About the Prompter
(b.1978) Tya Alisa Anthony, Interdisciplinary Artist + Independent Curator, explores themes of social justice, human rights, and identity through sculptural painting, photography, and collage. Her artwork refocuses narratives of people of color while shedding light on the social, economic, and natural environments that surround them. She reimagines historic narratives as an opportunity to explore alternate realities. Tya is particularly interested in creating autonomous spaces for bodies of color and using core memories as a form of catharsis.
Tya holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with summa cum laude Valedictorian honors from Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. She currently resides in Denver, Colorado where she in addition to her artistic pursuits, is the Director of Education & Community at RedLine Contemporary Art Center, the founder of Mahogany Vū Contemporary Virtual Gallery, and the editor of Contemporary Thought Magazine, Living Culture: A Mahogany Vū for BIPOC artists of the Diaspora.
Tya’s contributions to the art world extend beyond her personal practice. She is a journalist contributor to Hyperallergic Magazine, a TANK Studios Alum artist, a Redline Artist in Residence Alumni, and serves on the Advisory Board for Leon Gallery. She is also an advisory board member of the Colorado Photographic Arts Center and a former member of the Board of Tilt West. Anthony’s work has been exhibited nationally and is included in the permanent collection commissioned by the Octopus Initiative, Museum of Contemporary Art, Center for Visual Arts, LEON Gallery, and RedLine.