Ariel René Jackson’s exhibition, Remember This House: A global story investigates colorism, nationality, and inheritance. The artist utilizes video, found objects, printing, painting, and fiber work to create scenes and experiences from their cultural past to inspire a global conversation.
At the heart of the exhibition are two stage-like altars, Anger and Joy. The north altar represents Joy, with the inclusion of a quilt the artist made during their residency at Artpace, Wedding Day Circa 1987, and locally sourced antique furniture. The south altar represents Anger, with the inclusion of cowboy attire and a quilt titled Missing Data Quilt #3. Jackson challenges ideas of anger by including domestic items and mixed media works on both altars.
Visitors are encouraged to sit in the church pew and watch the artist’s film that shares its title with the exhibition. The 10-minute video features segments from the artist’s 2014 film, And Let Me Tell You, as well as new footage of Jackson performing with the piano accordion, a staple instrument of their afro-creole heritage.
Both altars come together to express what the artist calls “my ancestor’s controlled anger towards systemic racism and the release of my own rage through labor and music.” Jackson told Artpace, “I am thinking about this exhibition as a celebration of a lineage that stretches into various areas of not only the history of the United States, but all of America.” through labor and music.” Jackson told Artpace, “I am thinking about this exhibition as a celebration of a lineage that stretches into various areas of not only the history of the United States, but all of America.”
