visual art

Beau McCall, darkmuskoilegyptiancrystals&floridawater/

redpotionno.1, 2014. 

Buttons, fabric, thread, cast iron tub, 53 x 17 x 23 x 17 inches. 

Commissioned by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

darkmuskoilegyptiancrystals&floridawater/redpotionno.1, is inspired by the poem “one” from Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem, for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf. I depict the climax of the poem when lady in red, after giving herself to a lover, prepares a bath to wash away his scent. Thereby, the bathtub becomes a spiritual and ritualistic sanctuary and site of one’s search for inner peace and self-love.

Beau McCall, Domino Kool (Hood Classic I), 2013. 

Buttons, plexiglass, embroidery thread, plastic jar, wood shelf, doilies, 25 x 25 in. Pour: 51 in.

Domino Kool (Hood Classic I) recalls my upbringing in the “hood” when Kool-Aid was a popular drink. I represent the duality of this drink that simultaneously recalls the joys of youth while being a sugary unhealthy choice of beverage. This work relates to the theme as it explores the complicated nuances of a popular item of consumption (albeit a drink and not a “food”). In economically disadvantaged communities Kool-Aid has been marketed as an affordable drink, specifically targeted at children. However, the ingredients loaded with sugar, fructose, and chemicals (e.g. acesulfame potassium) are highly questionable. It is one of numerous examples of low-cost unhealthy foods and drinks that are omnipresent in poor areas and a contributing factor to health issues such as obesity and diabetes. 

Beau McCall, World Spinnin’ on a 45, 2015. 

Buttons, Plexiglas, embroidery thread, and fabric, 36 x 36 in.

Private Collection of Anne L. Stone.

World Spinnin’ on a 45 is inspired by the 1972 song by The Staple Singers, We The People. This socially conscious song calling for unity arrived during the Vietnam War, Watergate, the Black Power Movement, and the early days of disco. To reflect the song’s message and the climate in which it was created I used decorative buttons to capture the elements of joy, togetherness, anti-war and peace demonstrations, music, celebratory dancing, and more.

Thus, here is the world—in all of its chaos and beauty—spinning on a 45-rpm record insert.

Beau McCall, Button Pillow: Lady Day, circa 1995.

Buttons, pillow, and embroidery thread.

A tribute to legendary singer, Billie Holiday aka Lady Day.

Beau McCall, In My Lifetie, 2013. 

Buttons, recycled cotton shirt, denim, Plexiglas, 28 x 17.5 in.

Private collection of Stephanie Calla.

Neckties represent social codes and various stages in our lives from school uniforms to the workforce. In this piece I use buttons to recreate three ties on canvas to mark one's life (childhood represented by the sports tie, the middle tie references coming of age in Catholic School, and the final tie represents adulthood in the workforce). These are the ties of life that can both offer guidance and restrict us. What are the ties that shape your life?

Beau McCall, Dionne: Queen of Twitter, 2021. 

Collage printed with dye sublimation on aluminum, 16 x 20 in. 

From the series Dionne Warwick: Queen of Twitter.

Click here for the tweet used as inspiration.

In these select images from the series titled, Dionne Warwick: Queen of Twitter, artist Beau McCall references the witty and sassy tweets of Ms. Warwick, which brought joy to her followers, made her a viral sensation, and helped her connect with an intergenerational social media audience. The collages combine close-up photos from McCall’s button embellished and hand-sewn visual and wearable art with a range of photos and clippings. 

The use of buttons--often a family keepsake--add a touch of whimsy to the visual narrative through their elaborate arrangements.

Beau McCall, Dionne’s Okay Bye Tweet, 2021. 

Collage printed with dye sublimation on aluminum, 16 x 20 in. 

From the series Dionne Warwick: Queen of Twitter.

Click here for the tweet used as inspiration.

Beau McCall, Dionne's Wendy Williams Tweet, 2021. 

Collage printed with dye sublimation on aluminum, 16 x 20 in. 

From the series Dionne Warwick: Queen of Twitter.

Click here for the tweet used as inspiration.

After talk show host Wendy Williams made some critical remarks about Ms. Warwick and her social media presence, the Queen of Twitter quickly responded with wit and class as seen in the tweet above. Here, McCall hilariously depicts what the scene might look like if Ms. Warwick did decide to egg Williams’ house. Can you imagine? LOL!