Sanford Biggers was a member of the VCU faculty (sculpture department) whose work appears in the form of sculpture, graphic design, installations, video, music, and performance art. He is a voice for African American culture through pop culture, hip-hop, and dance that is often combined with his personal experiences through Buddhism. His work explores racial and cultural relations throughout history and how they continue to affect society today.
Mandala of the Bodhisattva II was the one piece he showed during his lecture that I found interesting. He collaborated with other artists to build a 16x16 hand cut linoleum floor to be used in a dance competition. The design was inspired by the mandala and synchronized dancing. A mandala (meaning 'essence' or 'completion') is a diagram that has spiritual significance in Buddhism. The project continues to be displayed in museums with the very first dance scuff marks still visible. Conditions of opening up the dance floor to audiences in museums follows Mandala of the Bodhisattva II wherever it is installed.
Mandala of the Bodhisattva II, 2000
An example of a mandalaUnlike the other recent artist lectures I have attended, I found Bigger's lecture somewhat disappointing. I feel he jumped around between projects quickly and had little explanation for some. It left me feeling disconnected.
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