Saint Heron, founded by Solange Knowles, is officially expanding.
On Monday (May 24), it was announced that the creative expression hub will become a multidisciplinary platform, studio and creative agency. Speaking on her decision to broaden Saint Heron into a cultural institution, Knowles, 34, said in a statement, “Worldmaking has been a huge part of my practice. … As we transition to an institution, the answer and the vision become abundantly clear. We are creating a legacy where we not only continue the work we have already built, but preserve collections of creators with the urgency they deserve.
She continued, “Together we want to create an archive of stories, and works we deem valuable. We want to open up these works publicly, and make them accessible to students, and our communities for research, engagement, and consumption so that the works are integrated into our collective story and belong and grow with us. We are creating an embodiment of living testaments to the glory of expression and how they recharge and reaffirm the reverence we hold for our own cultural and artistic worth. We look forward to furthering the pursuit of authenticity that empowers the stories of our people.”
The expansion of Saint Heron will include literature and visual exhibits (each available for viewing for seven to 10 days), art, design, architecture and fashion collections with a focus on highlighting the works of newly emerging artists, sculptors, photographers, designers and artisans. Knowles is behind the first installation, which is currently available on the official website and tells the story of Saint Heron, founded in 2013.
An upcoming new gallery by Knowles dubbed Small Matter will display large- and small-scale functional sculptures, architectural objects, furniture collection, lighting design and garments. Saint Heron will soon explore the legacy of award-winning poet Barbara Chase-Riboud in a conversation with award-winning author and educator, Ilyasah Shabazz. Upcoming interviews hosted by Saint Heron will spotlight Shala Monroque and artist Cassi Namoda, a conversation between Helga Davis and Okwui Okpokwasili, and archives from Womack & Womack and Composer Charles Stepney.
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