"As I Sit Waiting; A Converation with Artist, Lydia Nobles and Writer, Jewels Dodson

Lydia Nobles', "As I Sit Waiting" installation is comprised of a series of poignant sculptures, this collection serves as a powerful tribute to abortion stories, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of choice, autonomy, and societal norms.

ArtCrawl Harlem is delighted to host an intimate conversation between artist, Lydia Nobles and art writer Jewels Dodson. Together, they will delve into the conceptual depth of "As I Sit Waiting," exploring the nuanced symbolism embedded within each sculpture and the transformative potential of art to provoke empathy and dialogue.

ArtCrawl Harlem eagerly anticipates the opportunity to come together and embark on this journey of discovery and reflection.

Lydia Nobles

Lydia Nobles is a New York based conceptual artist critiquing societal constructs that affect gender. Her practice engages identity and storytelling as advocacy by extending subjectivity within abstraction.

Nobles’ current project, As I Sit Waiting, is an ongoing series of sculptures that addresses the issue of abortion access and reproductive advocacy. As I Sit Waiting is a fiscally sponsored project by the New York Foundation for the Arts.

The series has been well received, with selections debuting in solo shows at SPRING/BREAK Art Fair (2023), Field Projects and Ross-Sutton Gallery (2022). This past January, the Brooklyn Museum included two sculptures in 50 Years Since Roe: A Convening on Reproductive Justice: Abortion Stories USA.

Nobles has also been featured in numerous group shows including Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Lyman Allyn Art Museum, Latchkey Gallery, Conn College, Peep Space, Lump, Border Project Space, and Cindy Rucker Gallery, among others

Her work is recognized in ArtNet News, The New York Times, The Guardian, A Woman’s Thing, hypebae, Paper Mag, HYPERALLERGIC and Smack Mellon’s Hot Picks. 

Nobles holds an MFA from Parsons School of Art and Design and a BFA from Moore College of Art and Design with a minor in Textile Design. Nobles’ also earned a certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies from The New School.

Awarded for her achievements and dedication to gender studies, she received the Gender and Sexuality Grant from The New School in 2017.

Recently, Nobles’ completed the artist-in-residence programs at Field Projects, Trestle Art Space and Pink Noise Projects.

Jewels Dodson

Jewels Dodson is a multi-platform producer with experience in print, audio, video, and digital media. She tells stories in a novel way by seeking out vantage points that have yet to be explored; executing projects from inception to completion. Through creativity, in-depth research, and working alongside talented professionals, she creates compelling content that impacts culture and elicits authentic audience engagement. 

"Games People Play"

ArtCrawl Harlems Boundaries & Connections Artist Residency is a unique themed Program. This year's theme, "Games People Play" brings together a diverse group of visual and literary artists exploring the intricacies of human relationships in the context of social, political, economic, familial, and love dynamics. This interdisciplinary project welcomes painters, collagists, fiber artists, writers, photographers and installation artists to engage in a creative dialogue that transcends traditional boundaries.                                                   

Throughout the residency, these talented artists will collaborate and independently create thought-provoking works of art that challenge, question, and reflect upon the multifaceted nature of our interactions with one another. From the vibrant canvases of painters to the intricate textures of fiber artists, from the evocative words of writers to the captivating snapshots of photographers, "Games People Play" promises a rich tapestry of artistic expressions.                                            

ArtCrawl Harlem Inc.,(501(c)3) founded in 2008 as Harlem’s first trolley car guided art tour and later incorporated as an educational non-profit art gallery tour in 2016. ArtCrawl Harlem’s mission is to support and promote Harlem’s creative community and historical legacy through dynamic arts, cultural programs, and educational initiatives.

ArtCrawl Harlem promotes the exposure of professional and emerging artist, Harlem art galleries and cultural institutions. The aim is to elevate Harlem on the greater metropolitan cultural map, while providing both education and quality experiences to visitors, tourists and members of the community.

ArtCrawl Harlem sustains, supports and promotes art in Harlem.