Jazz: Call/Recall 1999

Call/Recall refers to the call and response that occurred in the fields in the days of black slavery, which carried over to the dialogue between the preacher and the congregation in the black churches and then beyond to the improvisation between players of modern Jazz.

Curtis made the study of the Jazz Movement her focus for a few years. This was an expansion of her interest in the Lindy Hop .

“I have immersed myself in the music, poetry and art of the jazz world, and am responding with my own visual voice. Magically. It’s happening.”

The show included gouache and India ink paintings, block prints, mono prints and art quilts. In this show Curtis breaks years of self imposed rules about working her whimsical, dynamic magic within a strict structure.

“As my life is opening up, my work is opening up. The next time pulling out all the stops will be the rule.”