AgriCulture 1 x Harlem Grown NYC

ABOUT THE ARTIST LISA WHITTINGTON

Artist and storyteller Dr. Lisa Whittington was born in Harlem Hospital on Lenox Avenue. She is dedicated to narrating the history of Black people and educating others about African American culture. In 2017 she delivered a TED talk entitled “What Does Art Want With You?” in hope to inspire artists and creators to find more meaning in what they create. In 2017 her artwork of Emmett Till diffused a protest that shut down the Whitney Museum and in 2019 her work inspired playwright and director Shernae Phillips to write a play called “Unbound Trilogy”.

Lisa Whittington’s art has inspired Hollywood directors, writers, and producers including Reggie Rock Bythewood — the producer was so moved by her Emmett Till artwork that he created the hit Apple TV series “Swagger.” Her work forms the main titles for the series.

Dr. Lisa Whittington loves children and has taught art in Atlanta Public Schools for 30 years.

ARTIST STATEMENT FROM LISA WHITTINGTON
A Train
To a place called Harlem
A Train
To a place where the buildings have eyes that light up
and their brick cubes kiss the sky
A Train
To a region where edifices dance and and sway
and the colors of buildings resemble afro skin
The third child takes A train from Heaven to Harlem
With a seed in her heart, a big apple in her eye and a brush on her sleeve
she arrived on the 3
and creeped, crawled, stepped up, pulled up, and cruised
down Lenox Avenue
then walked through New York City
A Train to Harlem
where the structures have rhythm
The breadth of Malcolm X,
Martin Luther the King,
and Spanish Harlem
vibe
The streets are filled with vibrant colorful expressions
and people that walk to the hidden beat of the Djembe
Hop on
A Train to 125th street and catch the beat
The soul of Harlem is lit up
Sit your soul in the window seat
and pose for me like a WPA Mural in Harlem Hospital
And be grateful for how rich it is for a soul to grow up poor

 Instagram: @theartistlisalove