Brett Swinney is an artist and arts administrator with a rich history in Chicago's cultural scene. Currently developing his project Black Guy AI with the support of Puppet Showplace’s Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers, Brett recently shared a few of his thoughts about the program:
A behind-the-scenes look at work-in-progress puppets from “Black Guy AI” by Brett Swinney
Puppet Showplace: Can you describe your project in a few sentences?
Brett Swinney: The Black Guy AI concept originated from a frustrating performance at a Puppet Festival, sparking a discussion among Black Chicago puppeteers. The idea evolved into exploring how artists of color can be exploited for their talent and then discarded, with their work benefiting others while the artists themselves are marginalized.
The story centers on two puppets: a large one representing the industry and a marionette named Hambone representing the artist. It depicts a cycle of exploitation where eventually the artist becomes complicit to maintain relevance, highlighting the struggles of artists trying to make a living.
An early planning sketch from “Black Guy AI” by Brett Swinney
Puppet Showplace: What inspired (or is inspiring) the work you are creating during your Creative Residency?
Brett Swinney: My initial interest in this project, and what continues to fuel my inspiration, grew out of my time as both an artist and administrator in the theater world. Working both in front of and behind the curtain, I observed many pivotal discussions that, while unseen by the audience, profoundly impacted the final show. Since then, my ongoing collaborations with artists of color and their dynamic communities here have deeply shaped my creative path. Encountering and drawing inspiration from their artistic approaches has been truly transformative for my own work, and I also aim to contribute to their creative efforts.
A still from a work-in-progress video from “Black Guy AI” by Brett Swinney
Puppet Showplace: What have you found most rewarding or beneficial about your experience so far with the Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers?
Brett Swinney: It's been gratifying to connect with the cohort. Even across time zones, every meeting feels like we share the same space, and I'm genuinely excited and inspired by everyone's projects. Working with the staff and mentors like Charlotte Lily has also been so helpful. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone in person in June (Editor’s note: at Amplify: The Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers Showcase on June 20th) and sharing that physical space. Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect has been seeing the diverse approaches to puppetry and how each person uniquely weaves their personal experiences into their work.
Puppet Showplace is proud to support boundary-pushing artists like Brett. Follow Brett on Instagram, and subscribe to Puppet Showplace’s newsletter to be notified about performances by Creative Residency fellows!
Interested in learning more about the Creative Residency program and our current cohort? Find more details about current and post fellows here →
