epc.
open research + image studio
projects.
agency
words with friends
academy
cohort.
cinema
support
boardroom
opportunities
conversation series: “black fidelity” with elijah brown of CPC
written by Murph Phi
Richmond, VA — Something’s definitely brewing down in the cap city. As Spring semester winds down, the orgs are active at VCUarts, a perennial top 5 public arts school with nearly 100 vears of experience in the institution of American Fine-Arts. A program that has evolved since Theresa Pollack taught her first class in 1928, at then Richmond Professional Institute, into a platform for creation and change in many different industries. While most students nationwide are settling into the last few stretches of the year, the VCUarts student-led groups are in full swing and from The Anderson to ICA to RVA Fashion Week, Elijah Brown has been creating a bit of a rumble in the creative community.
After the trio of Elijah and their mates Sydney Wilson, painter/graphic artist of BASE at VCU and Taya Coates of VCU’s Black in Fashion completed a month long programming for their exhibition (rightfully named “Black Fidelity”) at VCU’s home gallery, The Anderson, the students’ open call explored two themes, Black Fidelity and Afrofuturism. An exhibition “defining what our future will look like with true faithfulness in who we are and will be with artwork being displayed through forms of film/photography, paintings, prints, and many more all with stories intertwined to each artist’s understanding of what black fidelity means to them.”
Established in 1931 as Richmond’s only art exhibition institution, The Anderson Gallery has been a staple haven for creativity exhibiting tens of thousands of artists with a wide range of canvas styles, sculptural and visual arts. A place where students can be their true artistic selves and be “recognized as artists in their own right” making for pure exhibition-style exposure and public practice in their respective mediums. On February 9, 2023, Elijah, Sydney and Taya embodied the mission of the program with their interpretation of arts, culture and spirit of togetherness.
I posed a few questions to Eli on how Richmond’s community of artists and retailers could provide support for the upcoming star in fashion and arts. A few months after finding a footing in New York Fashion Week, Elijah returned to campus for a few captivating runway shows with Black Runway their vision and experience at VCUarts and caught up to discuss what’s to come for Eli and their partner organizations as they continue to provide a proper black response to society, provide inclusion, safety and community throughout VCUarts program.
+
Murph: “How long have you been in your practice of arts?”
Elijah: “I would say I began getting into the arts in high school. I was a basketball player up until that point, and decided to drop it for theatre. It felt like a Corbin Blue moment because it was hard to balance both worlds. I didn’t get into fashion until sophomore year, and didn’t start to take it more seriously until the pandemic. I am a sucker for all the arts because we typically all work together in the real world.”
M: “What was your first experience in the arts?”
E: “My first experience with art was definitely sometime in church. I was a dancer for 10 years and it forced me to use my body as a mode of communication and as a seed of creativity. Now that I have been a part of so many other art forms, I find that dance will always be the form that speaks to me most even if it isn’t something I pursue.”
M: “How has Richmond changed your view on art and its capacity to house your vision?”
E: “I came to Richmond exactly for the purpose of being able to produce art, collaborate with other artists amongst other things. And I would say Richmond has given me the confidence that it is something I can pursue and be happy with. If I was back home, I wouldn’t have the same resources or support willing to create a vision like here. Pretty much any creative idea you would like to pursue is realistic here. I think Richmond is a wonderful place for those wanting to further develop their views and capacity of the arts. The things I learn here I will take with me to the next point in my life.”
M: “How involved are you in Richmond’s art scene?”
E: “I am pretty involved when I have the availability. I go to shows and gallery openings. I try to do what I can to provide a platform for those in the arts as well. Like Black Fidelity or having open mic nights at my house. There is so much talent in Richmond, and I feel so lucky to be able to experience it. Richmond wouldn’t be what it is without the arts.”
Surely, this is a statement I agree with. Art is prevalent in Richmond with institutions such as VMFA, Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, the countless murals, public art, independent fashion, food and art experience facilities. With Richmond, you sign up for an artistic and home-y stay.
M: “How can the arts district serve students?”
Eli: “I think again it is about using your platform to support independent artists. Very few people are go-getters about seeking those opportunities, so if an individual is, hear them out and take them seriously — specifically POC queer individuals. Richmond scenes are predominantly white-centered which affects the social scenes and POC’s desire to get involved in these spaces. Clout doesn’t make someone more talented, coming from a place where people can relate and feel seen definitely does.”
Elijah Brown is a creative director, curator, organizer and VCUarts student pursuing a Fashion Merchandising student with a minor in Theatre. Independently, Eli operates within a colorful palette of visibility, existence, comfortability social justice for many cultural communities, fashion and arts. They currently serve as President of C.P.C., or Creative Production Collective, a student-led organization focused on creating an immersive experience in cooperating all disciplines of the art community at VCU, providing opportunities to improve and build skills necessary for future endeavors in production.