A Melody of Kinship


2023

A Melody of Kinship is an exploration of intimacy, friendship, and grief using social sculpture, photography, installation and sound. 

Beginning in 2020 a few months before the start of the pandemic; the central idea of this work was to explore the complex depths of friendship and platonic relationships. Cullins conducted loosely structured writing exercises with pairs of best friends where they begin to express thoughts of their care for one another and frustrations with the limitations of time and capitalism. The project concluded with an exhibition at Mirror Lab in Minneapolis, curated by Mike Curran in December 2024. A few months prior to the completion of this project Cullins lost one of their best friends which drastically changed the intention behind the work, as the exhibition became an exploration of care, love, time, and loss.

The work was supported through a residency at Epilogue Inc in the LA Arts District organized by Chester Toye.


Special thanks to -

Ama + Silan
Troi + Jess
Nay + Yaya
Justin + Brandon
Joe + Thomas
Skye + Channing


A Melody of Kinship is a dedication to the late artist and Baltimore legend, Maja Griffin.

Exhibition photography by Bade Turgut




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Markele Cullins © 2024