Ulysses Jenkins, born in 1946, his father a barber, his mother a homemaker, grew up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, embarked on a 50 years creative journey that would shape the landscape of contemporary art.
Initially drawn to painting and muralism, Jenkins serendipitously found video art just as consumer cameras began making their way into the hands of individuals. Ulysses got his medium, and this technological revolution presented him with the opportunity for broadcasting his point of view, for making his art, for reaching others.
Philadelphia . Los Angeles . Berlin .
We . Are . Planet .
Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing the exhibition featuring Ulysses Jenkins‘ remarkable body of work. These expo commenced its journey at the ICA Philadelphia before gracing the halls of Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. And now, fortunately for all art lovers in Germany’s capital, Berlin, it has found its home – until July, 30 – at the Julia Stoschek Foundation.
To gather the work for this exhibition took the curators Meg Odin and Erin Christovale five years.
I love the fact that your (Ulysses Jenkins) work in some way is hard to pin down.
Erin Christovale
Ulysses, as an artist, often delves into themes of race and gender, exploring their intricate connections to ritual and history, and the wielding of state power. His profound understanding of how images, sounds, and cultural iconography inform representation is evident throughout his art. Influenced by the city where he was born, worked, and flourished, his creations bear the unmistakable imprint of his environment. As someone with German heritage, I’ve always been – and will always be – deeply touched and in a positive way fascinated by the wonderful pride and passion American artists show love and devotion for their country.
Race . Gender . History .
Respect . Closeness . Life .
Using a captivating blend of archival footage, photographs, image processing, and elegiac soundtracks and speeches, Ulysses skillfully weaves together strands of thought to construct an „other“ history.
His artistic contributions have not only shaped his own career but have also profoundly influenced an entire generation of artists. Persistently.
Despite his undeniable talent, it is only now, at the age of 77, that he is receiving the well-deserved recognition and success that have long eluded him.
There might be three reasons for this delayed recognition: firstly, the fact that he is black; secondly, his geographical location in Los Angeles, which has historically significantly lived in the shadow of New York in terms of the art world; and thirdly, his own humble approach to his craft, consistently prioritized the joy of creation and the camaraderie of his artistic community over seeking fame and fortune.
In his thought-provoking work, Ulysses addresses how white supremacy is deeply embedded within popular culture and its impact on subjectivity. His unflinching commentary serves as a potent reminder of the need for societal introspection and change.
Inequality . Capitalism . Governmental oppression .
Freedom . Friendship . Love .
The group of artists he was surrounded by were not getting any sort of support or representation by mature museums or mature galleries in the city.
Erin Christovale
Finally, it is a delight to witness the belated success and attention bestowed upon Ulysses and his artwork.
Having never visited the Julia Stoschek Foundation before, was truly enchanted by the experience it offered. The building and the abundance of rooms provided the perfect setting for dividing Ulysses Jenkins‘ work into smaller, more intimate parts, each with its own distinct atmosphere.
As I meandered through the exhibition, my curiosity piqued, I found myself exploring every nook and cranny. The darkened rooms were brought to life by the dynamic media presentations, films, slideshows, and photographs, immersing me in Ulysses’ creative universe.
Ulysses Jenkins continues to call Los Angeles his home, remaining connected to the city that has played a profound role in shaping his artistic journey.
Ulysses Jenkins . Without Your Interpretation .
Julia Stoschek Foundation . Berlin .