MANOJ KESAVAN | DURATION: 58 MINUTES
Airdate: December 28, 2017
Manoj Kesavan is a cultural catalyst and creative instigator. He is co-founder of Que-OS, a non-profit collective of creative professionals who plan and activate spaces for community and cultural engagement. Que-OS is the organizational enterprise behind BOOM Charlotte, an artist-led, annual, three-day fringe festival showcasing contemporary and experimental performance and visual art. Manoj is also the founder of Point 8 Forum, a gathering of artists, architects and designers who explore multidisciplinary topics and encourage free thought, inquiry and creativity. He is the organizer of PechaKucha Charlotte, an event presentation series, and served as a founding team member of TEDx Charlotte. Manoj holds a Masters of Architecture degree from Kansas State University and Bachelors of Architecture degree from the University of Kerala, India.
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in instigating creative and cultural change and social practice as art.
IN THIS EPISODE
Manoj explains the experimental operating model that sustains BOOM Charlotte and the importance of the model in the evolution of art in Charlotte.
He discusses the art of social practice, the limitations of definitions, and the evolution from making things to making things happen.
He references Theaster Gates, Natalie Jeremijenko and Mel Chin.
Manoj connects the Greek transcendental concerns of beauty, truth and justice with worker housing in Stuttgart and fixing the deep social and environmental issues of the world.
He shares where he grew up, being born in a Brahman family, and how upheavals and moving from one place to another shaped him.
Manoj references the poem Homesickness by Marina Tsvetaeva, being an outsider, and Albert Camus' The Stranger.
He talks about speaking Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi, what drew him to architecture, and when and why he came to America and to Charlotte.
MManoj references Fyodor Dostoevsky, Emily Dickenson, Rainer Maria Rilke, struggling with depression and taking a stance in the world.
plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: The Most Silent Hour of the Night
To Learn More About Manoj
Questions
What struck you about Manoj's comments?
What makes an activity art?
How do you instigate cultural change?
What is the cultural change you would like to see?
We invite your posts on our Facebook page.
This episode is sponsored by Blumenthal Performing Arts, celebrating its 25th year presenting the best in performing arts.
Further support is provided by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, one of America’s leading urban public libraries, delivering exceptional services and programs, with a mission to improve lives and build a stronger community.
And support is provided by the Arts and Science Council, Charlotte-Mecklenburg's resource hub and lead advocate for the regional cultural community, providing Culture for All.
