We are so excited to announce the incomparable yétúndé ọlágbajú as our new Director of Art Residency!!

yétúndé ọlágbajú is an artist, strategist, and educator who recently moved to Los Angeles from Oakland, CA. They utilize video, sculpture, photography, gesture, and performance as through-lines for inquiries regarding Black labor, memory, legacy and processes of healing. They are rooted in the need to understand history, the people that made it, the myths and realities surrounding them, and how their own identity is implicated in history’s timeline.

They hold an MFA from Mills College and are the recipient of the Svane Foundation award, the inaugural Nancy Cook Fellowship, the Jay Defeo award, and a Murphy Cadogan award. They are a member of multiple Black and Brown liberation focused artist and worker-led collectives and are represented by pt. 2 Gallery.

Keep reading to see yétúndé’s own art practice and a short Q&A. We are honored to welcome yétúndé to Level Ground, and eager to see the residency grow and shift in their care.

Get to know yétúndé

What are you excited to learn (or do) with Level Ground? 

I'm so excited to learn more about the community Level Ground has fostered throughout LA and beyond! I'm particularly looking forward to collaborating with the team and its vast network of artist to get crisp on the practice, spiritual, and emotional needs for local artists. I'm excited to build with everyone -- creating an authentic basis of friendship and closeness. I'm excited to support art residents in the growth of their practice! To witness and support them as they move through transformative experiences. I'm excited to figure out ways to bring more resources to the Level Ground community and to build more connections! 

What's a secret talent of yours? 

I'm secretly a really solid baker. Olive oil cakes, pretzels, crackers, pies, shortbreads, etc. It's one way I express care and love for others! 

If you could do a collaborative show with any experimental artist, who would it be? 

There are so many incredible artists that I would want to collaborate with! The performance artist, musician, and composer Davia Spain comes to mind for sure. Her voice and work is incredible and collaborating on a track for a video or performance piece would be amazing. 

What's your favorite studio snack? 

I love a salty sweet combo like trail mix or Arare rice cracker mix.

Just as a reminder, our former Residency Director Leslie Foster isn’t going anywhere. He just started his new job as an assistant professor and therefore will be taking on a smaller, more focused role within our Artist Residency program.

We can’t wait for you to meet and get to know yétúndé. Please help us in giving them the warmest welcome on Instagram!