SAN DIEGO (January 25, 2022) – Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), in collaboration with the Oceanside Public Library and the North County African American Women’s Association (NCAAWA), will host a film screening of A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks on Sunday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. Directed by John Maggio, the film explores the enduring legacy of photographer, writer, composer, activist and filmmaker, Gordon Parks, and spotlights his visionary work and its impact on the next generation of artists.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Oceanside Public Library and the North County African American Women’s Association to honor the life and legacy of such an influential man,” says Maria Mingalone, Executive Director of Oceanside Museum of Art. “This film pays homage to a true American legend whose work serves as a springboard for contemporary and future artists, and we are honored to be hosting a screening at OMA.”
A Choice of Weapons explores the power of images in storytelling and advancing racial, economic and social equality through the lens of three contemporary photographers who consider Parks’ vision in the context of their own work: Devin Allen, LaToya Ruby Frazier and Jamel Shabazz, along with additional interviews. The film also features a compelling overview of the Black American experience as told through Parks’s own work and traces America’s Civil Rights movement through his lens.
During the film screening at OMA, Oceanside Public Library will be giving away copies of Gordon Park’s autobiography, A Choice of Weapons while supplies last. Additionally, people can enjoy a special book club discussion of the book on Wednesday, February 23 at the Civic Center Library at 5:30 p.m. along with an “Art in Conversation” dialogue and performance at the Star Theater on Saturday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. hosted by Alyssa (Ajay) Junious and BJ Robinson who will highlight Black artists who’ve made an impact in their work and premiere a new work inspired by the writings and contributions of Gordon Parks. In this conversation, both artists will address how art has been and can be used as an act of resistance and collective healing. This engaging, interactive event will include a showing of previous works, a premiere of an original work inspired by their readings and/or viewing of the film ‘A Choice of Weapons’ and community discussion. To sign up for the book club or to reserve a seat for Art in Conversation, click here.
This film was made in co-production of Kunhardt Films and HBO. Film for this screening provided by Kunhardt Film Foundation. For more information on the film screening and to RSVP, please click here.
About Oceanside Museum of Art
Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is a non-profit organization that began providing exhibitions and public programs in 1995 as part of their mission to bring people together to explore the art and stories of Southern California artists. OMA’s exhibition program is dynamic and robust, surprising visitors with a fresh and exciting visual experience nearly every visit. In addition to these boundary-pushing contemporary art exhibitions, OMA’s programming includes youth education programs, adult art classes, concerts, films, and creative community parties and events that appeal to locals and tourists alike. The OMA experience stimulates imagination, presents new ideas, and challenges the familiar in a welcoming environment for those new to art, longtime museum-goers, artists, art students, or simply the curious. For more information on Oceanside Museum of Art, visit www.oma-online.org.
About North County African American Women’s Association
NCAAWA is an all-inclusive 501(c)(3) not for profit volunteer organization dedicated to providing a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in San Diego North County to increase their self-sufficiency. In partnership with the Oceanside Public Library for the past ten years, and for the first time this year with Oceanside Museum of Art, all three will collaborate to celebrate Black History Month.
About Oceanside Public Library
The Oceanside Public Library, a department of the City of Oceanside, empowers the community by promoting literacy, information access, civic engagement, cultural inclusiveness, and openness to new ideas. The Oceanside Public Library began in 1904, and today, 100-plus years later, is still playing a vital role in the culture of Oceanside. The Library is committed to cultivating racial equity and inclusion. By contributing to a more just society, the Library envisions a community where all are welcome and enjoy a sense of well-being.
About A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks
Directed by John Maggio, A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks explores the enduring legacy of photographer, writer, composer, activist and filmmaker, Gordon Parks, and spotlights his visionary work and its impact on the next generation of artists. Through the lens of three contemporary photographers, we see Gordon’s legacy come to life. Devin Allen whose photograph “Baltimore Uprising” of the Freddie Gray protests was featured on the cover of Time Magazine; LaToya Ruby Frazier who for five years followed the Flint, Michigan water crisis and most recently photographed Breonna Taylor’s family for Vanity Fair; and Jamel Shabazz whose photographs on the streets of New York form a visual history of the hip hop era while simultaneously presenting affirming images for his community. A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks is an HBO original documentary co-produced by Kunhardt Films and HBO that initially debuted on November 15, 2021 and is available for streaming on HBO Max.
_____________________________________________
