Inclined
“Inclined” is a site specific piece that draws upon the history of the surrounding “Bricktown” district and its neighboring “Deep Deuce” district. The two histories are very different from each other, as Bricktown used to be an abandoned warehouse district and Deep Deuce was the cultural epicenter for African American music and culture, particularly jazz music.
The history of Deep Deuce is a vibrant narrative between the racial tensions of the city and the thriving culture of the community in Deep Deuce. The imagery of “Inclined” is derived from the struggles of those original neighbors as well as the historic structures themselves; the railroads, loading docks, and post & beam construction of the warehouses. The imagery of “Inclined” is derived from the relationship of those original neighbors and the historic structures themselves; the railroads, loading docks, and post & beam construction of the warehouses. According to the artist, David Phelps, he was originally inspired by the writings of Dr. Bob L Blackburn who now serves as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society.
