This workshop seeks to cultivate a space for inclusive conversations and cultural analysis that connects the artwork with the community it in part reflects.

Day 01,Tuesday 10 September 16:00-18:00:

The workshop begins with a full walkthrough of the exhibition, focusing on The Deep West Assembly. Afterward, the group will gather in The Reading Room to share their initial reflections on the exhibition’s key themes—Black identity, community, and future possibilities. Participants are encouraged to be both critical and curious, engaging in discussions about art’s place in addressing complex cultural, ecological and societal issues.

Day 02, Wednesday 11 September 16:00-18:00:

On the second day, the group returns to re-engage with the exhibition. This session is anchored by a selection of The Deep West Assembly reviews and criticisms from both Norwegian and international art publications. Participants will read aloud excerpts, sparking a dialogue on how different cultural perspectives and interpretations compare to their own. The focus will be on understanding the nuances in language, interpretation, and tone, and the ways social constructs shape our individual perceptions of Smith’s work.

Jelsen Lee Innocent (NYC, 1983) is a Haitian-American interdisciplinary artist whose work critically examines the universal effects of imperialism. His work explores themes of conflict, social hierarchies, and consumer culture, as well as the power dynamics embedded within borders. Currently, Jelsen is enrolled in the Master of Art and Public Space program at Oslo National Academy of the Arts, where he is concentrating on the impact of American hegemony on the ecological and sovereign landscapes of Haiti, the Caribbean, and beyond.

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