Origins Rematriated

Artist residency celebrates the evolving history of women and art throughout the College’s history

In a bold and innovative move to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of BHCC, the College has formed an immersive two-year artist residency and transformative gender collective featuring eight artists: Robin Chandler, Pamela Ellis, Rhina Espaillat, Cheryl Hamilton, Lenora Lee, Deborah Spears Moorehead, Nnenna Ogwo, and Rosalba Solis.

Granny Squant Strawberry Thanksgiving by Deborah Spears Moorehead, featured left at the College’s 2019 Indigenous People’s Day Celebration

Built on principles of excellence, ethical practice, cultural stewardship, and motherhood, “Origins Rematriated” pays homage to the pivotal role women have played in empowering the nation and the College’s disciplines in the sciences, humanities, and the arts. The Collective will serve as a catalyst for dialogue and critical reflection on shaping its future toward transformative change.

“If American society judiciously modeled the traditions of the various Native Nations, the place of women in society would become central, the distribution of goods and power would be egalitarian, the elderly would be respected, honored, and protected as a primary social and cultural resource, the ideals of physical beauty would be considerably enlarged—to include “fat” strong-featured women, gray-haired, and wrinkled individuals, and others who in contemporary American culture are viewed as “ugly.” Additionally, the destruction of the biota, the life sphere, and the natural resources of the planet would be curtailed, and the spiritual nature of human and nonhuman life would become a primary organizing principle of human society. And if the traditional tribal systems that are emulated included pacifist ones, war would cease to be a major method of human problem solving.”
– Paula Gunn Allen, Who Is Your Mother: Red Roots of White Feminism (1986)

Guided by the wisdom of the two-eyed/seven generations vision—an Indigenous perspective on spirituality that underscores the importance of considering multiple generations in decision-making, the Collective will be a space for critical discourse and reflection to provide a platform for asking profound questions about the institution’s origins, and its path forward. This approach acknowledges not only the birth of children but also the birth of gender-balanced societies through the lens of regenerative womanhood. By merging interdisciplinary and intergenerational insights, BHCC seeks to honor the legacy of the four generations of women who have been educated within its walls.

One component of this initiative is the announcement of a documentary film project spanning 2023 to 2025. This film will delve into the intellectual productivity of BHCC, spotlighting its pioneering artistic programming since 1973. Through a rich visual narrative, the documentary aims to unveil the stories of resilience, innovation, and empowerment that have marked BHCC’s journey over the years.

Capoeira (1988) Robin Chandler

Slingshot Around the Sun (2000) Robin Chandler

The artist residency, set to unfold concurrently, creatively explores the gender- focused themes underpinning “Origins Rematriated.” A select group of artists will have the opportunity to engage with BHCC’s community, its history, and the broader societal context to produce artworks that celebrate and interrogate the multifaceted aspects of women’s narratives.

From societal uncertainty to shifts in policy, the BHCC community’s engagement with “Origins Rematriated” couldn’t be more timely. The initiative provides a guiding light towards creating a transformative impact on the College, its curriculum, and its administrative practices, all while celebrating the vibrant narratives that have shaped its past.

As BHCC strides confidently into its next chapter, it does so with a renewed commitment to embracing diversity, empowering women, and fostering a gender- balanced society. The Gender Collective and the artist residency stand as symbols of progress, representing not only the evolution of the College but also a beacon of inspiration for institutions across the nation.