We recently connected with Jacoub Reyes and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacoub, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

There have been many meaningful projects I have been a part of. During my time as a Ma’s House BIPOC Artist-in-Residence on Shinnecock Indian Nation, I created a mural that honored the work of the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers. The Shinnecock Kelp Farmers are self-described as a collection of six multi-generational indigenous women addressing the climate crisis by opening a kelp hatchery. Shinnecock Nation faces many challenges from colonization and Western ideologies, including climate change. The kelp is essential in combating the erosion of shorelines, which if not stopped, will reduce the Nation’s territory by 75% due to nitrogen sequestration. I was also able to collaborate with the local Boys and Girls club and other organizations to provide printmaking workshops to the Shinnecock community.

I have also had the honor of working with the Duwamish Tribe in Seattle. This 2-week initiative, in collaboration with Sidereal Fine Art Press, consisted of three workshops and two large woodblock print demonstrations with the community in the surrounding area. We pulled over 180 impressions collectively. During this time, I created a two-plate, 10-color woodblock print and a 4×8 foot, 5-color woodblock print as well. These prints were made to support the efforts of the Duwamish Tribal Members and their struggle toward federal recognition. Over seventy-five community members participated in the week of art events fully funded by 4Culture and the City of Tukwila Art Commission. Flexcut Carving Tools donated beginner’s tool kits and Speedball art provided inks and additional printmaking supplies.

Over the summer I had the opportunity to collaborate with The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico (MAC) and the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College (CENTRO). This project allowed me to sift through the Center’s Library and Archives to gather information to create a narrative that informed my personal and community work through a historical lens. I incorporated participatory design, hands-on printmaking workshops, and unprocessed materials in CENTRO’s archives to facilitate dialogue between the community.

Currently, I’m part of American Landmark’s Artist-in-Residence program. This program allows me to create and collaborate directly with local community members through weekly programming and special events. This project has been one of the most meaningful because it has afforded me the space and time to focus on my work and strengthen my path as an artist. Here, I have been able to experiment and create some of my largest and most intricate pieces to date.

Jacoub, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a multi-disciplinary artist and educator based out of South Florida. I create my work using various found to make woodcuts, sculptures, installations, video, and audio pieces. My art focuses on the natural environment and how it connects to my mixed and diverse cultural background. I delve into my personal and ancestral history by combining research with everyday activities like environmental conservation, community involvement, and sustainable artmaking methods. This process leads to the development of metaphors that question and rethink the impacts of colonization on communities with diverse backgrounds.

My art tells stories that challenge how we think about the past and how it affects people today. Through this, I aim to shift focus onto communities in a holistic manner, allowing new stories and perspectives to emerge. By including and empowering individuals who have traditionally been marginalized by our colonial structures, I can cultivate spaces that thrive and grow through mutual support and art.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most exciting part of being a creative is collaborating with different communities around the globe. I’ve continued to achieve my goals as a lifelong learner by listening, being present and available to the people I serve. I’ve been able to share woodblock printmaking and accessible art making techniques that aim to empower others by harnessing the courage to create. It’s rewarding to exhibit their work alongside my own to encourage a dialogue that challenges and dismantles the definition of what art is and who an artist can be.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal as an artist is to broaden arts access and to create non-hierarchal systems that respond to the local communities needs. I aim to create spaces that encourage creativity and connection between people. I believe that conversations that evoke curiosity can create change, and that’s what I hope to do with my community work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jacoubreyes.com
• Instagram: @jacoubreyes
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacoubreyes

Image Credits
Photos by Cielo Creative Co.