Richard Kennedy Spotlights Queer Artists of Color at MoMA PS1

Artist Richard Kennedy has had a busy few months. In December, he debuted a new opera, "Comeuppance," at Signal Gallery and in January, a new ballet, "BOTH," at Artists Space, but he's also been flexing his curatorial skills, organizing last month the daylong festival, "Index," at Knockdown Center with fellow performer DonChristian.

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This weekend, Kennedy presented a program of performance at MoMA PS1 as part of the museum's "Sunday Sessions" series. Anointed "FROM.UNDER.ABOVE," a title which underscores the heights of power in New York's underground queer community, the program spotlighted artists of color experimenting with alternative notions of masculinity and unapologetically championing femme and trans femme virtues.

There were familiar face, too, if you've ever been to any of the nightlife events Kennedy's organized in the past, suggesting his steadfast support of his fellow performers and the buoyancy of tightly-knit communities. Kennedy kicked off the afternoon of performances, which ranged from boss rapping by Quay Dash to charismatic crooning from DonChristian, with notes of noise glam courtesy of Sadaf and death metal theatrics granted by VIOLENCE, while TYGAPAW, BEARCAT and Antwan Duncan gave the crowd something to dance to.

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Photography: Derek Schultz (Courtesy of MoMA PS1)