In 1997 a number of artists and organisers came together in Los Angeles and formed The Artists Network. We were loosely affiliated with Refuse and Resist. The main issue that united people was a complete exhaustion with police brutality in this city. An event was planned at The Vision Theatre in Leimert Park to shine a light on the issue and to unite artists across communities in the city.
It happened at Leimert over two years and indeed they were incredible events. In the face of police harassment, with little or no funding and in the face of a local media that is still belligerent the events were huge successes. They were special days, Horace Tapscott at what would be the end of his days with political youth from all over LA passing the torch. this series is dedicated to him, I learnt alot from him and I consider myself to be a part of the Dark Tree that he planted in all of us.
These images were made backstage in a closet, with one light.