Rematriated Realms- An exploration of reclaiming the divine feminine through social concept work. A collaboration with Tiara Burtin, Naomi Chambers, Bekezela Mguni, ancestors, sound and land.
In Sound: An Ode to Nina, the High Priestess of Soul.
Baltimore- A rematriation in sound. The feminization and black woman voice on the invocation of Lord Baltimore and the city of Batimore.
Baltimore, in “Maryland” spearheaded segregation through out the Nation. Places, such as Saint Louis modeled their redlining practices, like their sister city. This is especially crucial for the urban areas that were borderline spaces. Borderline cities were cities that sat in the crossroads of liberation during enslavement, and has a mixed identity of being both a “slave place”, and liberal place.
The history, impact, mindset, damage, and division is to be healed.
Read more, here:
As a small child, the artist lived around the corner from Baltimore Ave. The street is located in a small mid century suburban neighborhood, complete with old diners, a past movie drive through and the aesthetic of the fifties. In the 1980’s and 90’s it was considered safe because of its proximity to a higher socio-economic group and the predominantly white residents. The neighborhood, Breckenridge Hills was diverse for its region, with Indian Americans and Latino Americans growing in attendance at the area public schools.
Baltimore by Nina Simone
Concept: As a response to the attempt of Blues.
Baltimore by Randy Newman
The Reclaiming of Mary and Collective Ancestry
Baltimore is in “Maryland.” Noting this connection to people and the intersection of names, sound vibration and place. The artist picks three Mary’s full of grace as a historical note to three black and native women who have been impacted by the segregation of Baltimore. Although the people are based in Saint Louis, the city adopted similar segregation laws to attack the influx of the free, working, black class that began to move into the city.
(a.)
Mary Meachum
Mary Meachum (1801–1869) and her husband, Reverend John Berry Meachum, were American abolitionists who dedicated their lives to educating and freeing enslaved people. Reverend Meachum grew up enslaved in Virginia and Kentucky before earning enough money to purchase his freedom. Before leaving Kentucky, he met Mary – an enslaved woman who was set to be moved by her enslavers to St. Louis. John followed Mary to St. Louis where he bought her freedom and eventually established the First African Baptist Church, the first Black congregation in St. Louis.
(b.)
Mary Willhimena Lancaster the Miracle Nun
(c.)
Mary Moton, an ancestor of great impact to the artist. Mary helped raise generations of her family, was a good mother, wife, cook and more. She was an avid reader.
In Writing
Reclaiming the parentheses as the feminization of the bracket.
Places of Reference of Freedom Route(s):
Maryland
(Baltimore)
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
Saint Louis
Missouri
Virginia
Kentucky
(c.)
Ancestor Bio-Myth
Mary (Haynes) Moton is a staple influence in the practice of Dail Chambers. Mary taught many things, including how to read and farm. From Mississippi and Chicago, she lived in Saint Louis.
In the video below, dance artist and collaborator Tiara Burtin creates a public dance ritual of healing at the Carnegie Museum as a part of the Rematriated Realms Art Experience at the Carnegie Museum, July 2023. In this work she includes spirituals, sound art and clips of Chambers’ mother speaking on her dream to accompany the movement.