Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Kaba.
Jerry, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in Toms River NJ and did not start making art until I took a ceramics class at Ocean County College after high school. Post-graduation from OCC I worked as a Civil Engineer for three years. After deciding I could not work in a cubical for the rest of my life, with the support of family and friends I quit my job and went to art school. I received a BFA from Rowan University in 2006 and an MFA in 2008 from Tyler School of Art.
I began teaching shortly after graduate school and bounced around between Colleges and art centers. In 2012 I founded Practice Gallery in Philadelphia. Practice is an artist run exhibition space that supports experimentation, installation, and social practice work. Since 2014 I have been adjunct teaching at Moore College of Art and Design and Montclair State University where I am the area coordinator for ceramics. In 2013 I founded AWFUL Wrestling (Art Wrestling Federation Urban League). AWFUL does multiple performances a year in a range of different art spaces. Close your eyes, picture children imitating professional wrestlers on the living room carpet. Now substitute them for adults in silly costumes. This is AWFUL wrestling! All the Pomp of 1980’s WWF and 5% of the athleticism.
Additionally, I make experimental music with modular synthesizers and perform regularly. For the past two years I have hosted Modular on the Spot (MOTS) events in Philadelphia. MOTS is a monthly modular synthesizer outdoor free picnic series started by Bana Haffar and Eric (rodent) Cheslak in LA. Currently MOTS is held in 15 cities and 5 countries and growing each month. This year I have also taking the title of Philadelphia Ambassador for Powwow Audio, an online global modular synthesizer podcast series and network started by Mark Berman in Amsterdam.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make large scale multimedia installation/performative work. My work is informed by the exploration of the absurdities found in the world around me. Themes in my work have been, but not limited to genetically modified foods, natural and man-made disasters, religious practices, and professional wrestling. I use humor in my work to draw in the viewer. Upon entering the work, the viewer is invited to explore/experience the deeper meanings that inform it. I hope to create a unique experience that will resonate with the viewer beyond the initial experience.
The goal is to make the viewer question the things they have seen and reflect upon them, or at the very least enjoy the experience. Every project is approached with different materials and techniques. I do this for two reasons. One, I try and use materials that support the concept. Two, I get tired of using the same materials over and over again and like to challenge myself to learn new things constantly. I feel being a lifelong learner is important to both my art practice and my teaching.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Get out of your studio! Go to an art opening, hang out in a coffee shop, host a dinner party, Tinder Tinder Tinder!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be seen at www.jerrykaba.com or @jerrykaba on Instagram or Facebook. I do both sound and visual art performances regularly and mostly advertise the events on social media. I will be in a group show at Little Berlin this fall and hosting an AWFUL Wrestling event at PhillaMOCA, November 10th. My music can be heard on Soundcloud.com or at one of the monthly MOTS events.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jerrykaba.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrykaba/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerry.kaba
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/awfulwrestling/
Image Credit:
Jerry Kaba
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