As I delve into the vibrant world of Quiana Parks, I am utterly captivated by her boundless creativity and relentless pursuit of artistic expression across multiple mediums. Her life journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passions, as she skillfully weaves together music, visual arts, and community building in a way that feels deeply authentic and profoundly inspiring.
For Quiana Parks, who’s both an artist and a DJ, art and music are like two identical faces of a single coin. With a fearless openness, this self-proclaimed “turntablist” is constructing a unique universe, shining a light on tales of joy, tenacity, and sorrow that she encounters in her own life and those around her throughout the process.
It’s a duality pulses through her party series, aptly titled Parks & Rec, which has featured luminaries such as Just Blaze and Vashtie, alongside Eden, Dede Lovelace and Stonie Blue. “A-Trak’s mom was my principal, so I’ve known him since I was 14,” she tells Hypeart. “He’s seen me go from being this nerdy art student to seeing me as a DJ.” Born in Paterson, New Jersey, just a short drive from the birthplace of Jersey Club, Parks grew up surrounded greatness and intends to reflect that energy back on her community.
From secretly saging her fair booth to her use of malachite and lapis crystals in her last collection, a profound spirituality and growth echoes throughout her practice. At 19, Parks was diagnosed with blood cancer. “It changed me forever. At such a young age, feeling like I wasn’t going to get to live anymore, it was an eye-opener that tomorrow is not promised.”
More than ten years on, her determination has surfaced in unforeseen aspects. In the year 2020, Parks started selling her artwork outside her parents’ shopfront, drawing the notice of Mickalene Thomas. This encounter ultimately led to her work being displayed in the Brooklyn Museum’s bicentennial exhibition.
As Parks prepares for her tenth Art Week in Miami, she looks back on her initial year exhibiting, where she personally invested in a booth and, with the backing of her family and friends, managed to sell every single piece. It’s a full-circle moment as she is now returning to Scope this time around, not as an artist but as this year’s Artist-in-Residence. For our latest Hypeart Visits feature, we sat down with Parks in her comfortable Brooklyn studio to chat about the importance of connections, artistic healing, and how she maintains equilibrium within her extensive practice.
I really enjoy gathering these tales, and I’m inspired by the resilience they convey – it forms the foundation for everything I create.
Can you recall the first time you felt moved by art?
When I was eight, my brother sadly passed away, which sparked an intense fascination with drawing him. From that moment on, art became a significant part of my life. It wasn’t something I consciously decided to do; rather, it served as a means of therapy and self-expression for me.
At the age of 12, I discovered my passion for fashion illustration, which eventually guided me towards Rosa Parks Fine Arts High School. It was here that I gained knowledge about renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, George Kondo, Picasso – figures who significantly influenced my artistic journey. Moreover, encountering Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artwork and his belief, “I am not a Black artist; I am an artist,” had a profound impact on me during those formative years.
In your previous career, you were involved in the fashion industry, music marketing, and design. Can you explain how those past experiences influence your work as a full-time DJ and artist now?
As a creative individual, it’s essential to take on various roles. Even before my first gig as a DJ, I had already set up my personal website and Electronic Press Kit (EPK). I was clear about my brand identity, aiming for something big yet playful, like a larger-than-life kid. As a child, my fascination with Barbie dolls played a significant role in shaping my brand, symbolizing enjoyment and self-expression. The outcome isn’t always crucial; rather, the experiences themselves are valuable lessons that I’ve gathered along the way.
I understand that your artwork is currently on display at the Brooklyn Museum, and for this year, you’ve been designated as Scope’s Artist-in-Residence. Can you share how you’re experiencing these exciting developments?
I’m thrilled and anxious, even though I’ve been an artist for a while, this is all fresh territory for me. It reminds me of when I first started DJing – diving into the action and starting from scratch. It’s exhilarating, but I’ve put in a lot of effort to reach this point, so it also feels like something I’ve earned.
It’s amazing that I’m involved with Scope, DJing, and managing a booth – it feels like I’m building my own Barbie dream world, and people are witnessing my artistry for the first time! Watching everything come together, I couldn’t be prouder. The fact that my 18-year-old brother gets to see this is just fantastic.
How would you define your art practice?
I share anecdotes, gather experiences within my community, and aim to uplift their spirits. My work is deeply rooted in the concept of “Sankofa,” which symbolizes reaching back to pick up what was left behind. I’ve reinterpreted this figure as a Black woman, though her original form is that of a bird. Gathering these stories fills me with admiration for their strength and resilience, which serves as the foundation for each of my creations.
In your artwork, I find that each piece seems to capture a gaze that invites exploration. Can you share the story behind how this captivating style developed in your creative process?
It developed over time, allowing myself to just be free with the work. A few years ago, I started getting really into line work, and I found my style by playing with it.
The first artwork that truly encapsulated my style was titled “Mommy and Me”. This painting, now at the Brooklyn Museum, notably captured the essence of my mother’s eyes. As I reflected on it, I recognized that many of these almond-shaped eyes reminded me of my mom’s, as well as those of my family. Strangely enough, I’ve never explicitly told her this, but the resemblance is striking and poignant to me.
Experiencing these transformations feels akin to grieving or mourning. I won’t be that person anymore… I owe a lot to her, but I must let her go because it’s becoming too much for me to handle.
How have you seen yourself grow as an artist in the last few years?
As I delve deeper into painting and invest more time, my confidence grows noticeably, reflected in my bolder decisions and willingness to experiment with new approaches.
Besides growing more exposed, I recently unveiled an assortment titled “Chapter 10” on Artsy, in collaboration with Cierra Britton Gallery. Typically, my artworks narrate my stories, but this series stood apart. It was an intense journey, to be honest, and it took me a full year to complete, with many tears along the way.
In the story titled “Yesterday’s Princess,” I uncovered a hidden aspect of myself and bid farewell to my former self. Transforming in this way feels akin to experiencing loss or sorrow. I can no longer be that person, and it’s a reality I must accept. She was extraordinary, someone I cherished deeply. However, she needs to fade away because holding onto her is suffocating me. This collection honored, yet also grieved for, that loss.
When artists infuse themselves into their creations, those works essentially become an extension of the artist’s identity. If the pieces are extremely introspective and intimate, they often have to confront and overcome the challenges that come with such self-expression.
To regain my creative flow, I must persist despite the challenges, as standing still would only leave me stuck. Being both a DJ and an artist presents unique difficulties for me, as I transition from my studio, a space where I express and process emotions through crying or journaling, to performances where I’m expected to be energetic and engaging.
There are ups and downs in my life. I’ve been spinning The Lay Out since 2020, but this year has been particularly tough, and if I don’t express myself genuinely through my music, I can’t perform effectively. Frankly, that set wasn’t one of my best, but it’s those moments of vulnerability that make me human. Sometimes, I see people getting frustrated, and I respond with, “I apologize, I’m not feeling great today. I’m just here, creating waves through music.
In certain tunes, I discover my tribe. Once upon a time, I spun “Ease On Down” from The Wiz. It was heartwarming to witness everyone, reunited after months apart, brimming with joy. Many of us resonate with that track, so I played it and watched as beautiful Black individuals ascended the slope. The atmosphere was lively, but when “Ease On Down” started playing, the crowd went wild. Afterward, I played the Sister Act version of “Oh Happy Day.” That sent them over the edge!
My goal is to continue crafting events that showcase the DJ as a creative artist, rather than just a music selector.
In your television show series “Parks & Rec,” you bring together various worlds. Could you share some insights about the experience of overseeing such a production?
All of this is a dream. I had been working with Al D., who told me that I needed my own party and I agreed. I’m obsessed with The Office, which is where the name comes from because if you’re watching that, you’re probably going to watch Parks & Rec.
This year saw me pushing my endeavors to new heights. In February, an extraordinary moment occurred as we assumed control of BRIC for a single night, an experience I’ll always cherish. Since our inception in 2019, I’ve been responsible for crafting unique artworks, animations, and commercials for Parks & Rec. This was the time when my years-long efforts were finally showcased, and people celebrated the DJs I’ve worked with at Parks & Rec.
My goal is to continue crafting environments where the audience appreciates the DJ as an innovative artist rather than merely a playlist dispenser. It’s not about simply spinning top 40 hits; it’s more about expressing myself authentically. I don’t focus on what will elicit reactions from people, as I believe that approach isn’t always genuine. Seeing a true artist pushing boundaries and creating something unique is a privilege, and providing them with the space to do so is truly rewarding.
As a gamer, experiencing the joy of gathering folks around, sharing laughter, and seeing them cheer for me feels like uniting hearts through a common passion. It’s an indescribable sensation, knowing that I can create moments where we all come together to celebrate the love for gaming.
Honestly speaking, it’s a privilege for me. Growing up, my grandparents ran a church, so community building and nurturing has always been part of my life. Standing behind the altar watching my grandfather preach is similar to standing behind the DJ booth. I learned from them that bringing people together is something truly valuable. I feel nothing but proud to continue their tradition.
Currently, it can be challenging to focus on one creative endeavor while also contributing to several others. How do you strike a balance between overseeing and creating content, especially when sharing narratives across different platforms?
There’s an interconnection between them, yet I don’t feel complete without each one – it’s as if picking favorites among children. Achieving harmony is about staying true to myself – recalling the motivation behind my beginnings. As a versatile artist, possibilities are endless; the form may vary, but the essence remains consistent. The narrative isn’t under my control, rather, it’s a spiritual journey for me – it’s my mission.
Photography by Keith Estiler.
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2024-12-18 20:56