A Growth Class: Fostering Critical Dialogue | Session One

Inspired by the ethos of collective and self-organised learning that enthuses Black feminist and queer movements, the two workshops facilitated by writer and art historian Aurella Yussuf offered artists, writers, and culture workers a supportive environment for peer-to-peer exchange and meaningful, culturally aware feedback on their work, along with a platform for critical discussions on contemporary art.

This two-part workshop on culturally competent critique was designed for artists, writers, and curators of colour. The workshops were specifically for Black People and People of Colour who identify as women and/or LGBTQIA+.

In the first session, participants explored how race, identity, and context shape the perception of art, discussing the role of cultural references through an in-depth look at Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work.

A Growth Class was a collaboration between The Ignorant Art School at Cooper Gallery and CCA Glasgow. Sabrina Henry (Head of Programme, CCA Glasgow) and Sophia Yadong Hao (Director, Cooper Gallery) participated in the supportive conversations at both sessions.