An Identity Even More True
A short review of "Negro, Spiritual" and reflection on identity.
I feel so incredibly full after witnessing “Negro, Spiritual” presented by my extraordinary sister friend Morgan Cecille Hutson, written with Salakastar. This performance was held at the University of Michigan Museum of Art in conjunction with the Silver Linings Exhibition showcasing 100 Years of Black Art collected by Spelman College. Through my observation, I received messages and examples of duality, spirit calling, freedom, and identity.
In this iteration of “Negro, Spiritual” Hutson shares her songs through a series of up and down occurrences leading the viewer to her current moment. She beautifully conveys the duality of life off stage and performing as supercoolwicked, vulnerably recounting her lived experiences. There are transitions throughout the performance where she receives calls from a landline instructing her on how to proceed. Spirit is calling. The intangible is externalized as a landline that rings along with mystical visuals flashing upon the projected backdrop. Hutson then lets us in on how she heals her heavy heart. She shares her testimony, singing gospel music and executing phenomenal choreography in pursuit of her revival. The combination of pole dancing under the influence of gospel music creates sweet sensual juxtaposition, displaying that gaining acceptance and freedom can occur in a multitude of ways. The landline rings for the final time signaling that it's time to let it all go and transform into an identity even more true. As funeral processional visuals flash in the background, her former stage name dies. Soon after a beautiful Black butterfly takes center stage to share her song, the magnificent Cecille is reborn.
“I took the time it takes to heal and now it’s time to fly. Running across the verdant hills, in truth I live my life. Extension through primordial wings, accession towards the sky. At atmospheric frequencies, my spirits keep me high.”
Skydive (feat. Salakastar)
Please take the opportunity to stream Cecille formerly supercoolwicked on all platforms and connect with her via Instagram @cecilleluvsu. You will not regret it!
I often sense the multitudes of who I am, although I heavily identify with my big three placements: Aries sun, Scorpio rising, and Scorpio moon. Fire and Water. Polar opposite signs both ruled by the same planet Mars. A Martian living on Earth. A walking paradox.
How do I even begin to infuse the two?
Born a natural talent with a flaming spirit. Younger self always enjoys expressing herself, preferably in a familiar setting, being the loudest one in the room. I would make friends easily, take pleasure in socializing with others, and engage in occasional mischief. There is so much impulsive energy inside of me. I would jump high and tumble on the couch. I was doing roundoff back handspring in the yard by the age of six. My loving supportive parents pushed me to share my gifts and take center stage. I did a lot of things afraid. I cheered in front of hundreds and acted in school performances. Although I’m grateful for my upbringing and the memories I’ve collected along the way, there’s always been this intermixing of gusto and hesitant energy at play. I believe this is why I gravitated towards visual arts as my main act. A form of expression that was just for me and only required my imagination with no expectations to display publicly or be judged.
As a Twenty Something I welcome the opportunity to take my time, a slow burner. I never feel the urge to rush the process or share the results, unless genuinely enthusiastic. Every so often the mystical mermaid peaks up to the surface and shows off her unique fin wowing the sailors that pass by only to return to life on the ocean floor. I spend my time deep in the abyss contemplating inner thoughts and creating visions for hours on end. I’ve learned to tunnel my vision and expand my skills. There are countless ideas, curiosity, and caves down here. My inner world produces the most vibrant bioluminescence. My light never dies no matter how deep I dive.
As you may notice I tend to compartmentalize myself based on which zodiac energy appears more but in truth they always occur in tandem, along with many other characteristics and traits. Currently I’m feeling the need to tap back into that flaming adolescent energy, that courage to show up afraid. Overall I’m praying to transform into a more harmonious blend, an authentic balance of all my multitudes. To feel grounded and nurture myself properly. To embody the paradox. To be the fluid flame.
To love all of who I am and will become.
I want to give a huge thank you to my big sis Morgan for inspiring me to write these words in reflection of identity. I am forever in awe of your talents. LOVE YOU DOWN BOOTS!
i loved reading this!