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Artworks

Melody Set Me Free, 2007

  • Artist

    Kalup Linzy

  • Title

    Melody Set Me Free

  • Date

    2007

  • Medium

    Digital video, color, sound

  • Dimensions

    TRT: 00:15:10

  • Edition

    Edition: 5/5

  • Credit line

    The Studio Museum in Harlem; Museum purchase with funds provided by the Acquisition Committee

  • Object Number

    2009.1

Melody Set Me Free revolves around protagonist Patience O’Brien, played by Kalup Linzy, who leaves her hometown to become a singer over the protestations and discouragement of her mother. Appearing in drag, Linzy lip-synchs to a prerecorded voice-over alongside other actors. A biting takedown of heteronormative cinematic narrative devices, the work also reflects on the intimacy of familial and interpersonal relationships. The video acted as a pilot for a series of the same name that unfolded on YouTube in 2010 and 2012, mirroring the artist’s own trajectory from small-town obscurity to big-city success.


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Artworks

Melody Set Me Free, 2007

  • Artist

    Kalup Linzy

  • Title

    Melody Set Me Free

  • Date

    2007

  • Medium

    Digital video, color, sound

  • Dimensions

    TRT: 00:15:10

  • Edition

    Edition: 5/5

  • Credit line

    The Studio Museum in Harlem; Museum purchase with funds provided by the Acquisition Committee

  • Object Number

    2009.1

Melody Set Me Free revolves around protagonist Patience O’Brien, played by Kalup Linzy, who leaves her hometown to become a singer over the protestations and discouragement of her mother. Appearing in drag, Linzy lip-synchs to a prerecorded voice-over alongside other actors. A biting takedown of heteronormative cinematic narrative devices, the work also reflects on the intimacy of familial and interpersonal relationships. The video acted as a pilot for a series of the same name that unfolded on YouTube in 2010 and 2012, mirroring the artist’s own trajectory from small-town obscurity to big-city success.


Explore further