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INNOVATING BEYOND THE STUDIO: A Conversation on Boundaries and Innovation 

Imagine an evening where the boundaries of expression dissolve, where movement becomes language and creativity emerges as a radical act of liberation.  

Join us for an electrifying conversation featuring three visionary Black artists who are rewriting the script of contemporary performance – Staycee Pearl, Joseph Hall and Melike Konur—as we explore the innovative ways artists are transforming artistic expression across disciplines. 

Moderated by guest curator Jessica Gaynelle Moss, this dynamic discussion will dive deep into how these artists are pushing beyond traditional studio practices, disrupting monolithic narratives of Black creativity and creating new paths of artistic innovation. Drawing from their diverse practices—from choreography and multimedia performance to visual storytelling—these artists will share insights into how they preserve cultural histories, challenge existing boundaries, and create work that resonates across multiple mediums. 

Taking place within Melike Konur’s exhibition Women I’ve Been at 820 Liberty Avenue, this is more than just a talk. It’s a collective reimagining—an invitation to witness the extraordinary ways Black artists are reshaping our understanding of art, identity and possibilities. Whether you're an artist, a dancer, a cultural enthusiast, or simply curious about the cutting edge of creative expression, this conversation promises to inspire, illuminate, and challenge how we think about art and creativity today. 
 
Melike Konur recognizes that we are situated on the ancestral lands of the Osage Nation and the Shawnee people (Shawandasse Tula/Shawanwaki). This work is moved to honor their history as the original stewards of this land and acknowledge their continued presence, sovereignty, and contributions. This acknowledgment recognizes the traditions, histories, and experiences of erasure endured by these nations, whose knowledge has profoundly shaped the world we inhabit today. Speaking and hearing words of reverence is a vital step in fostering collaborative, accountable, and respectful relationships with Indigenous nations and communities—relationships grounded in continuity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

This program is presented in partnership with Sibyls Shrine.