Reflections on Art, Dance & Community
Personal writings, performance reviews, and updates from Kenna-Camara Cottman's artistic life — spanning dance, cultural work, and the everyday practice of a Black American griot in the Twin Cities.
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November 2013Divide and Conquer / Strength in Unity
A meditation on collective power and the forces that seek to fragment community — explored through the lens of African-based dance and cultural organizing.
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November 2013TAKK CI RIP
Closing reflections on the TAKK installation project, which ran at JXTA's Moja Gallery on West Broadway in North Minneapolis.
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August 2013Keepin' it real…
Candid thoughts on authenticity in artistic practice and the challenges of staying grounded while navigating the performance world.
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July 2013you're a what?
On the reactions — curious, confused, and affirming — that come with identifying as a Black American griot in contemporary America.
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April 2013Overnight Review — SuperGroup
A review of the collaborative performance SuperGroup with Rachel Jendrzejewski and Leslie O'Neill, examining interdisciplinary risk-taking on stage.
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March 2013Trashing the Space / Clearing the Space
A two-part reflection on creative process — the mess of making work and the clarity that follows.
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December 2012pay what i owe emancipation
Exploring the debts — artistic, ancestral, and personal — that shape a life in dance and cultural work.
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October 2012Notes for Salon Saloon
Preparatory thoughts and notes ahead of a Salon Saloon gathering, blending performance, conversation, and community dialogue.
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September 2012Goal
A concise statement of artistic intention — setting direction for the season ahead.
Archive
- 2013: November • August • July • April • March
- 2012: December • October • September • August • July
Additional writings by Kenna Cottman can be found on MN Artists.