Electric Miles 

Editor: So, here we have Dan Graziano's "Electric Miles," a mixed-media painting which looks pretty contemporary, with a hint of impressionism. It definitely captures a vibrant energy. What strikes me most is how it uses the cover of Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew" album, like it’s a backdrop for Davis himself. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s interesting how Graziano layers references here. "Bitches Brew" was a pivotal moment in jazz, a fusion of rock and avant-garde sounds that some considered a betrayal of jazz traditions, even a radical break. So, placing Miles Davis in front of the album cover creates a dialogue about artistic innovation, the challenges to established norms, and cultural appropriation. How does this reading resonate with you? Editor: It adds a new layer of meaning, especially considering how often Black artists' innovations have been commodified and sometimes stripped of their original context. That cover itself...it's so evocative. I'm curious how this relates to identity. Curator: Precisely. The figure on the left could be interpreted through an Afrofuturist lens. Is it an allusion to ancient African traditions? A comment on the role of Black women in shaping and challenging jazz? These visual elements invite questions about power dynamics, visibility, and who controls the narrative around Black artistry. Editor: That’s such a compelling way to look at it. I didn’t even think about the figure in the background that way initially, I see that there is so much more here to unpack! Curator: And it reveals that even a portrait of a celebrated musician can open up conversations about gender, race, and the ever-evolving cultural landscape. Editor: Thanks so much, this makes me think about representation and reception so differently!