Christian Noelle Charles’ first solo exhibition takes on the presence of the Jester, defined as a professional fool or clown, especially at a medieval court and a modern day entertainer. REFLECTIVE JESTER: IT'S JUST A FEELING considers the modern day entertainer as a resemblance to the Jester role and its circulation within the Black community, and Christian’s exploration and redefinition of the role through affectively mapping the registers of her personal life which unfolds through the exhibition spaces at CCA.

Taking inspiration from Cab Calloway, American jazz singer, dancer and band leader during the jazz and swing eras of the 1930s-40s, Christian’s work and performance reimagines the lively, energetic exuberance of jazz legends such as Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt and Charles Mingus. This masterful improvisation of Christian’s will showcase new works that are developed around Christian’s personal journey and upbringing, growing up in a dance studio, specialising in African dance, modern jazz and ballet.

This exhibition is an expression of self-love that considers the challenge of defining one's individual appearance, yet celebrates the moments of freedom that lies within the experience to move, and to encompass visibility as multiple beyond comprehensible, racialised and gendered representations.

Christian Noelle Charles (b. 1993, New York) is that Black visual practitioner currently living and working in Glasgow, Scotland. A Syracuse, New York native, Christian's work is an exploration of female representation and self-love in a contemporary world. She has acquired a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Cooper Union in New York City and a Master of Fine Arts at the Glasgow School of Art. She has presented works with Tramway in Glasgow, Scotland, and South London Gallery in London.

Christian takes inspiration from today's pop culture, modern performance techniques, and personal experiences. She also derives inspiration as a video performance artist from the relationship between performer and audience member. By using the mediums of printmaking, video, and performance her work demonstrates a celebration of self-love and individuality.

Documentation

Message in the Music: Christian Noelle Charles and Zakia Sewell

CCA and Subcity Radio presents Message in the Music: Christian Noelle Charles with Zakia Sewell that was originally broadcast live at 15:00 on 25th October 2021 on subcity.live

As part of Black History Month 2021, Zakia and Christian share songs that have influenced them and some musical references that relate to Christian’s recent solo show at the CCA, REFLECTIVE JESTER: IT'S JUST A FEELING.

Artists Talk

A conversation between Christian Noelle Charles and Harold Offeh, introduced by curator Alaya Ang.

Tracklist

Sandy Barber, Don’t You Worry Baby (The Best Is Yet To Come)

Charles Mingus, Track B – Duet Solo Dancers
Alice Coltrane ft. Pharoah Sanders, Journey In Satchidananda
Dizzie Rascal, Stop Dat
Michael Wycoff, Come to My World
Poly Styrene, Dreaming
Nina Simone, Compensation
Janet Jackson, Escapade