New York is Burning

The title of the painting and the painting itself are inspired by the documentary Paris is Burning (Livingston, 1990). In the 1990s, in New York City underground, an alternative society of people emerged for whom there was nowhere else to live. They find it hard to live the way they want because most people in society feel threatened by their very existence.

I made a coloured pastel drawing of a black and white video of New York City – the Manhattan Skyline in the 1970s. The sun may be going up or down; you can decide which. At the same time, this is related to Nelson Mandela who was seen as a terrorist during his fight against Apartheid. Even as President of South Africa, on an official visit to the US, he continued to be listed as a terrorist. Yet the US government welcomed him. I made a painting of Mandela where the viewer can choose the title: Terrorist or Freedomfighter, or a third option: Prefer not to say.

The colours of the painting are related to the gay community (lgbti+), the building on the right could be a mosque. It is a reminder that it is dangerous to think in black and white; it is not a case of either being with us or against us. I also stand firm with the artist Käthe Kollwitz, when she was saddened that young people had to go fight while they always have other, and better dreams.

Corina Karstenberg © Maastricht 2024