Fabrics of Power and Sensation: An Introduction to Basil Kincaid

River, Frog and Crescent Moon

Basil Kincaid’s quilting practices respect traditional methods and utilize only repurposed materials, not only due to ecological concerns. To reuse is to add layers to storytelling. Kincaid himself emphasizes this narrative element, likening the process to sampling in music production, where each material carries its own symbolic weight. By incorporating discarded materials into his creations, Kincaid weaves together a tapestry of diverse lived experiences, each scrap contributing to a new narrative thread.

Basil Kincaid’s artistic repertoire extends far beyond textile work, encompassing a diverse array of mediums. His collage pieces, for instance, blend original photographs with fragments sourced from magazines and newspapers to explore themes of self-evolution. Drawing serves as Kincaid’s primary avenue for uninhibited self-expression. On the other hand, his performance art pieces fuse bodywork techniques, visual and auditory elements, and textiles to address internalized trauma. In his installation works, Kincaid produces multimedia compositions that underscore the transient nature of existence. These temporal creations are made to embrace change and cultivate gratitude as they emphasize the potential to shape new realities amidst societal conditioning.

Basil Kincaid himself describes this temporality: “The impermanent nature of these ephemeral monuments is a reminder that we can create new realities around us instead of perpetuating those we’ve been conditioned into – and that change is positive and inevitable. Gratitude is a leading force in these works, as nothing lasts as long as you think.”

Kincaid seamlessly integrates various mediums to complement his different works. This versatility is vividly demonstrated in his treatment of quilts. While some are showcased in formal gallery settings, others become integral components of performative artworks like the evocative Dancing the Wind Walk. A striking instance of this performative approach is Kincaid’s recurrent staging of his quilts as picnic blankets, offering a poignant commentary on Black leisure activities. Reflecting on this, Kincaid affirms, “I’m interested in Black people having leisure time and feeling valuable. We are innately valuable at all times, even if we are luxuriating on a hillside.”

The theme of leisure and rest as revolutionary acts is a recurring motif in Basil Kincaid’s body of work, epitomized by pieces like Lullaby. Here, a Black figure reclines on a quilt amid a field of flowers, watched over by a looming, monstrous presence. This composition underscores the essential nature of rest and sleep, often overlooked in contemporary society, yet vital for personal fulfillment and autonomy. It also highlights the significance of dreams, both in Kincaid’s creative process and in his broader artistic journey. Kincaid draws inspiration from his dreams, with his decision to focus on quilts as an artistic medium originally sparked by a dream.