Charles Gaines: “Why is a bird a bird, and I’m not?”

“Why is a bird a bird, and I’m not?” and “Who gives value to difference?” are two of the many queries that artist Charles Gaines surfaces in his exploration of the controversial 1857 Supreme Court ruling known as the Dred Scott decision, which legalized racial discrimination in the United States. Gaines provides us with an opportunity to study, question, and feel history, along with its contemporary parallels, in his works Manifestos 4 and Sky Box II.

Credits:
Missouri State Archives
The Library of Congress
 
Music:
Manifestos 4
Original Notation and Chord Sequence: Charles Gaines
Musical Performance: Opera Povera
Music Director: Sean Griffin
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon:  Alexandre Ré
French Horn: Bonnie Anzalone
Piano: Dana Reason
Audio Mixing and Mastering: John Baffa
Producer: Madeline Falcone
 
Battle of Manassas
Original Composition: Thomas Wiggins
Musical Performance: John Davis, John Davis Plays Blind Tom
1999 Newport Classic, Ltd.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises

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