art & discursive practice
DIVISIVE RADIO SHOW (2016 - 2022)
Divisive was a two-hour monthly broadcast on Lumpen Radio that explores issues of power related to cultural work, activism, and social life. Created by Keith Brown, Leah Gipson, and Craig Harshaw, the show is a live performance of political ideas and questions that consider the role of conflict and disagreement in freedom struggles. Instead of finger-pointing at bad art and bad people, we look for ways to have a public dialogue about art and media that can reveal or change our hegemonic views. We look to shift the accessibility of art and intellectual criticism toward greater equality, and conversations of blame toward responsibility. We believe that actual people, including ourselves, are impacted by a wave of cultural impulses that advance violence and harmful ideology.
Lumpen Radio WLPN-LP Chicago 105.5FM streams past episodes on Mixcloud.
art therapy
WHAT IS ART THERAPY?
Learn here.
ART THERAPY | IN PRACTICE
A Long Walk Home, Inc. is an organization that uses the arts to empower young people and end violence against women and girls. www.alongwalkhome.org
ART THERAPY | IN EDUCATION
Publications: “Challenging Neoliberalism and Multicultural Love in Art Therapy” and “Is Cultural Competence Enough? Deepening Social Justice Pedagogy in Art Therapy” published in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association; “Envisioning Black Women’s Consciousness in Art Therapy.” in Talwar (Ed.). (2018). Art Therapy for Social Justice: Radical Intersections.
social practice
2013-2015
WEST SIDE ART CHICAGO
In the fall of 2013, Leah Gipson began developing a cooperative of artists creating projects in Chicago's west side neighborhoods. West Side Art Chicago was a grassroots, community initiative that built collaborations between local artists who are focused on issues of creativity and urban living in Chicago's historic west side: Austin, Garfield Park, Lawndale, and Humboldt Park. West Side Art Chicago supported economic and cultural thriving on the west side through "generative" projects, art that creates and reproduces ideas for local change and sustainability.
2012-2013
PROJECT LOT
Project Lot was a series of installations by artists Jen Brown, Leah Gipson and Eve Sanford. The installations occupy vacant lots to initiate conversation about the potential of unoccupied space. Project Lot involves the installation of a structure, which evolves as people contribute written words, messages, and questions. The piece becomes a part of an ongoing dialogue on the politics of space in surrounding communities.
Project Lot #1: Bronzeville
July 28, 2012
47th Street and King Drive
Chicago, IL
Project Lot #2: South Shore
November 16, 2013
1708 E. 71st Street Chicago
Chicago, IL
2009 - 2012
In 2009, Leah Gipson began working on a series of art therapy projects to empower girls and women. The projects used the artistic language of clothing as a private and public response to violence against women.
Shoes as Therapy, Master of Arts in Art Therapy Graduate Thesis, SAIC
Chicago Metropolitan YWCA
Chicago, IL
2010
The Sneaker Project, A Long Walk Home, Inc.
North Lawndale College Prep
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls
Chicago, IL
2010, 2011, 2012
Altered Clothing Project
Grace House
Chicago, IL
2012
