“Lonnie Holley Discusses Art and Music in New Interview”
This week saw the release of Lonnie Holley’s latest single titled ‘That’s Not Art, That’s Not Music’, reflecting on his early encounters in the art world and the challenges of acceptance for Black self-taught fine art within larger institutions. The single serves as a preview of his upcoming album, Tonky, scheduled for release on March 21st through Jagjaguwar. The album will feature collaborations with a diverse set of artists such as Isaac Brock, Angel Bat Dawid, Billy Woods, Alabaster de Plume, Mary Lattimore, and more.
On this track, Holley explores themes of rejection and criticism with poignant lyrics like “Gathering our arts / Gathering our music / Incorporating it into song / Us being rejected / They were saying, ‘That’s not good enough’ / Not good enough / That’s not art / That’s not music”, accompanied by atmospheric instrumentation that includes horns, flute, and marimba. The track invites listeners to reflect on the barriers faced by Black creators in the art world.
Lonnie Holley’s artistic journey began in 1979 and traces back to a tumultuous childhood marked by hardship and curiosity. Despite making private recordings since the mid-1980s, Holley’s debut album, Just Before Music, was not released until 2012 by Dust-to-Digital when he was 62. Recently celebrating his 75th birthday, Holley’s diverse creativity extends beyond music to encompass sculpture, painting, and drawing, often utilizing found materials in the African American sculptural tradition.
Holley’s sculptures have gained recognition in major museums across the United States, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. His works have been displayed in esteemed institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the United Nations, and even the White House Rose Garden, showcasing the profound impact of his art.
While a few years have passed since its release, a documentary detailing Holley’s life and art continues to offer valuable insights into his creative process and the significance of his work. The documentary sheds light on the artist’s transformative journey and the challenges he has overcome in establishing his reputation in the art world.
Lonnie Holley’s latest single not only captivates audiences with its poignant lyrics and atmospheric sound but also invites reflection on the complexities of acceptance and recognition in the art world for Black artists. With his upcoming album release, Tonky, on the horizon, Holley’s innovative and thought-provoking artistry is set to captivate listeners and further solidify his place in the realm of contemporary music and fine art.