Muse in Motion: Athletes & Activism

Works by Erin Currier | Acrylic and mixed media on panel

As a humanist artist whose portraiture is rooted in the ideal of dignity for all; I am fascinated in the unifying potential of Sports-- as a genre that transcends race, ethnicity, class, gender, and nationality. I have seen it firsthand: from makeshift baseball games in the streets of Havana; to packed stadium soccer matches in Quito, Lima, and Buenos Aires— (where Diego Maradona and Pele are relegated to the Realm of the Gods); to paddle tennis in Venice Beach; to volleyball on the beaches of Sydney and Rio de Janeiro; to UFC Fights in Rio Rancho. The ability of these games to bring people together dates back even further than the borders, laws, Nation-States, and ideologies, that divide and separate us. Sports are often at the vanguard of allowing for an equality and dignity that societies must catch up to and meet.

The idea of Muse in Motion: Athletes & Activism, has long been percolating: perhaps sparked upon first seeing a photograph of the iconic Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics; or perhaps growing up when Michael Jordan was King, and Arthur Ashe, Tiger Woods, and the Williams sisters were breaking down barriers and breaking records in their respective fields... Or maybe the impetus was a more recent one: witnessing the unbeatable US Women’s Soccer Team standing up for Women’s Rights and fair wages for all...

On a personal level, as a child, Sunday games at my Grandparents house left a vivid impression. My vast extended family would often debate --coming as they were from various points on the political, educational, and class perspective, -- that is, until the Bruins, the Patriots, or Andre Agassi would appear on the television! Suddenly, a family that had seemed hopelessly at odds huddled together happily to watch the game. Likewise, the family unified while playing sports like tennis or volleyball. On a personal level, as an adult, the healing power of athletics—has been essential—as my lifelong passions and pursuits of walking, hiking, martial arts, qi gong, shaking yoga, swimming, and dance, have been crucial to moving through grief and moving forward from the death of loved ones.

For all of the above reasons, a series honoring athletes seems relevant & significant in these moments of ever-escalating divisiveness, trauma, and uncertainty. So many individuals in the US today feel they have nothing in common with many of their fellows, yet they likely share in common a love for Bruce Lee or Muhammed Ali! It is crucial to cling tight and hold close to our hearts these commonalities.