In complement to Magnetic Fields: Expanding Abstraction 1960s to Today, which focuses on African American women’s approaches to abstract painting and sculpture, the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg is thrilled to be working with composer Elizabeth A. Baker to present an afternoon of abstract sonic experiences by African American women musicians and performers. In addition to Baker, we will host Chicago-based Renée Baker, and San Francisco-based Pamela Z. Each composer will perform at the MFA, and will participate in a panel discussion with Katherine Pill, the MFA’s Curator of Contemporary Art.

Taken together, this will be an important celebration of abstraction in multiple forms, and will allow for a multi-generational discussion between African American women practicing in avant-garde composition.

FREE with Museum Admission

Guests are invited to attend the event in its entirety, or come and go as they please.  The special exhibition gallery for Magnetic Fields closes at 5pm. Please be sure to visit the galleries before then! 

2:00-2:45pm | Panel discussion with composers moderated by Katherine Pill

3:00-4:30pm | Renée Baker premiers an orchestral score for A Page of Madness, a 1926 film by Japanese director Teinosuke Kinugasa, featuring musicians from EMIT (St. Petersburg)

5:00-5:45pm | Elizabeth A. Baker performs original composition inspired by paintings of Jennie C. Jones

6:00-6:45pm | Pamela Z presents a multimedia performance