What is INSIDE BLACK?

INSIDE BLACK is a dynamic concept, which will begin by publishing a book that investigates the depth and meaning of the color black. The launch of the book will be followed by a group exhibition and a series of lectures and performances in Arti et Amicitiae in September 2020. In art, science, politics (Black is Beautiful / Black Lives Matter) and spirituality, black is loaded with associations referring to race, class, religion, fashion, the mystery of the unknown, our shadow side and black holes. INSIDE BLACK, the book, artists, poets, writers, and visionaries from the Netherlands and the USA will join the challenge to question negative connotations around black. Their voices will be the light INSIDE BLACK. The book will be a platform; an exploration through individual expertise and an opportunity to build a bridge toward unification. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

The relevance of the book: why contribute?

We ultimately want to contribute to a world where we are connected, through knowledge, art and inspiration. Contributing to this project means creating a stage for an interdisciplinary, inclusive debate that helps the world move beyond limited beliefs and perceptions. We hope our crowd funders will be the ambassadors of a new, deeper understanding of the color black. We think crowdfunding fits our general philosophy and our final goal: to get the discussion about BLACK going on a broader level and involve an engaged and conscious crowd.

About the writers: a full circle of perspectives

Up to 30 participants, with diverse perspectives, and enthusiasm are writing a chapter to contribute to the project. Some are known to a broader audience, like jazz singer Denise Jannah, black panther party illustrator Akinsanya Kambon, physicist and noble prize winner Gerard 't Hooft and anticipated, visual artist David Hammons. A complete list of writers will be published on our facebook page, where they will also briefly introduce themselves and the outline of their chapters during this campaign. All participants are active and deeply rooted in their own field of expertise. Leslie Browne, who invited them, is a painter, poet and color specialist, born in Los Angeles, based in Amsterdam. Intrigued by BLACK as a non-color, she analyses what colors represent; scientifically, psychologically and energetically. One of her premises is to paint the blackest black.

What we do with your donation

Your money is not used to pay the writers of the 30 chapters, as they all contribute voluntarily. With your donation you will contribute to their individual creativity and career, as this book will be platform for their voice, vision and talent. The 15000 euros we are collecting are mainly for the printing of 500 exclusive copies, design of the book cover and lay-out and editing, as well as the porto costs and shipping of your 'tegenprestaties' and additional costs (like flyers, t-shirts and the launch party). If we happen to receive even more than we asked for, we will gladly use the surplus for the exhibition in September 2020 (art materials, promotional costs, shipping of artwork overseas).