New Art Lab Installation “Puff” Inspired by First Anthology of African American Literature

November 7, 2022

A new window installation is on display now through December 9 at MCLA’s Art Lab in North Adams by artist Lorenzo Baker.  

Drifting beyond the screen and into space, the atmospheric installation “Puff” coincides with Baker’s virtual exhibition and year-long collaboration with MCLA titled “February: An Exploration into Black History,” which transverses representations of Black History and technology. 

The installation “Puff” draws inspiration from the first Anthology of African American Literature, Les Cenelles: Choix de poésies indigènes. Published in 1845, the anthology is a collection of French lyric poems written by a group of free Black poets living in New Orleans, LA. Baker’s multimedia installation is an airy and melodic take on the Black romantic experience, connecting with the Anthologies' use of depoliticized themes of fantasy, longing, and harmony. 

Utilizing para fiction and para facts to complicate ideas of collective memory, Baker’s multidisciplinary art practice takes shape as afro-futuristic digital collages, ready-made sculptures, and experimental videos. In 2021 Baker was a guest speaker at the Museum of African Diaspora (MOAD) in the Artist Studio program, and in 2022 their work was featured on the television series Bel Air. 

The Design Lab is located at 49 Main Street in North Adams. 

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At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 128-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our commitment to equitable academic excellence. For 10 of the last 12 years, MCLA has been named a Top Ten College by U.S. News and World Report. MCLA also appears on the organization’s list of top National Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Since the list was created, MCLA has risen to #33 as a Top Performer on Social Mobility and ranks first among all  

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