200712_Milford_0997
A Polymath’s Sphere is a document of Milford Graves’ workspace and residence in Jamaica, Queens. Graves is best known as a prolific jazz drummer but his interests span a variety of disciplines including botany, martial arts, and medicine.
His home and the surrounding property are a confluence of these disciplines creating a space overflowing with evidence of his work and curiosities.
Graves struggles currently with a heart condition called cardiac amyloidosis which has no cure and in 2018 was told he had six months to live.
Graves has studied the human heartbeat for years using his findings to inform him musically. Since diagnosed he has been listening to his own heartbeat and using the knowledge he has acquired over the years to supplement the treatment he receives from his cardiologist.
Despite his diagnosis Graves pushes on and has continued to make work at his home.
(This project was funded with a grant from The Velocity Fund and was exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Art University of Pennsylvania as part of the exhibit Milford Graves: A Mind Body Deal
presented by Ars Nova Workshop, Sep 25, 2020 - Jan 24, 2021)