DEMON FRUIT BLUES
A Current Work in Development
Tamar-kali’s Demon Fruit Blues is an immersive music-based experience that explores the origin of misogyny and ‘curse of womanhood’ as outlined in Genesis 3:16:
“To the woman he said:
I will intensify your toil in childbearing; in pain* you shall bring forth children. Yet your urge shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”
This collection of work speaks to how the perception of the female body in this context has reverberated throughout Western history and left an indelible sociopolitical mark on those who identify as women.
Demon Fruit Blues represents the cultural and ideological concepts that drive Tamar-kali as an artist. Inspired by the majesty of female African deities, ‘goddess’ themed art and feminist theory; it reflects the artist's personal journey to self-discovery and acceptance.
Tamar-kali’s lyrical and compositional approach weaves a sonic tapestry that connects the dots between modern day rock, gospel, the blues and original African rhythms and reframes the influence of classical music in an eclectic contemporary context. The resulting experience presents a challenge to the trend of hidden influences in American popular expression that psychically severs the ties between history and culture.
The project will engage local communities in the examination of these themes while in development and explore intersectional realities and identities through panel discussions, master classes and workshops.
The culminating performance will utilize lighting and sound design, video projections, movement, lyrics and live music. Collaboration with a team of artists including Choreographer Adia Whitaker & Asé Dance Theater Collective, Director Charlotte Brathwaite, filmmaker Ralston Smith and multiple visual artists including Sarah Olson and Tiffany Smith will support the creation of a fully-embodied, multidisciplinary piece.