Review: Jack and Jill-Feminism At Its Best

I had never heard of the Jack and Jill Art Show, but after attending it, I realize it was probably the most fantastic event I’ve attended on campus. I arrived with some new friends from my women’s studies class and was thrilled to see the members of DKR (Drag King Rebellion) waiting outside the doors. After some shrill squeaks on my part and excited jumping, we paid the inexpensive entrance fee of $5 and walked in. Around one wall we saw tables covered in artwork from different females and feminists around campus and Ann Arbor. To name just a few: Olivia Su, Adonia Artega, Charles Lindsay, Laura Irene Wayne, and Sherry Lynn. There were amazing paintings, prints, and drawings covering the tables. During breaks we were able to stand up and look around at them and speak with the artists themselves. I spoke with Sherry Lynn, an artist that brought deconstructed Barbie dolls to the show. They were very interesting works that really attacked the views of femininity that the media puts out. She takes a normal Barbie doll, an offensive image that shapes the way young girls see that bodies, and defaces it into a unique work of art. It’s really amazing to see what she can do with them. For more info visit sherartdoll.blogspot.com

Along with all of the art displayed, the performances were absolutely amazing. Of course DKR performed, a group I’ve seen before and reviewed. They were great, as usual, and really do capture the soul of feminism. It’s about empowerment to be who you are, dressing the way you want, and living the way you want, whether that desire conforms to the gender binary system or not. Throughout the night they danced to many popular songs, including “Larger than Life,” “Cat Walk,” “Let It Be,” “Altar Boys,” and “It’s Gonna Be Me.” Their energy was high, as always, and they pumped up the crowd throughout the night.

There were two spoken word poets, Annie Sajid and Scott Beal. Annie is a poet here at the University of Michigan and she reads at most of the U-Club poetry slams. She read three poems, including “Brazen” a poem about her sister. I’ve seen her perform before and I enjoyed a deep conversation with her and some other poets about our recent works and future endeavors. I really look forward to the next slam to see her again. The other poet, Scott Beal, is an Ann Arbor community member, teacher, poet, and stay at home dad. The poems he read were very gender related and proved to be deep and empowering. His “Assessment of My Masculinity” really showed us how societal views of masculinity and femininity can be skewed and how people can be themselves no matter what others think. His poems were creative, comedic, and deep while conveying this message of empowerment to all of us in the audience.

A group of belly dancers brought a bit of Arabian culture to the scene and showed off their amazing hip action. The group celebrated the beauty of women through cultural and artistic presentation. Another performer, CasMercedes, took the stage. She was another spoken word performer, actually a fabulous rap artist. She’s part of a group called Dope Chic and can be found at youtube.com/dopechiccity. I’m not a big fan of rap, but I respect it for its poetic and cultural origins and I enjoy listening to artists that choose this medium. Cas and this group are famous around the country. She was a great artist.

The only act I haven’t mentioned, because I’ve been saving it, is that of Fiona Chamness. Fiona Chamness… Fiona Chamness. She was absolutely, positively, incredibly, amazing! So great, in fact, that I’ve already requested her friendship on Facebook so that I can hear more of her music. She plays acoustic and sings her own songs in a unique voice that tears at your heartstrings. Her voice is very pure and she’s a master of jumps and note runs. All of the songs that she brought to the show were original and deeply connected with her own emotions and experiences. I loved her, the crowd loved her, the microphone loved her.

The entire night was a success. Artist and performers from all over campus and the city came to show us their wares and to see those of others. The open mc was also successful with a few poets including Annie Sajid and Brandon Wood reciting poems of famous artists, Jack from DKR speaking about her journey to find herself and her gender, and another couple singing a beautiful song with a smoky mountain voice and classic guitar accompaniment.

The F-Word has hosted this event almost every year since 2005 and it has always had a wonderful turn out. Madison Weisburg, the announcer at the show, was very personable and gave marvelous introductions and explanations of what the show was about. I would definitely recommend this show to anyone that likes any form of art. Keep up on events like this through the Arts and Programs Newsletters and the flyers posted all over campus.
I hope you enjoyed this review, and if you went to the show, than I know that you enjoyed yourself.

As always,
This is Danny Fob: Artist and Art Reviewer