January 2024
Mary Elizabeth Jo Dixen Pelenaise Kapi’olani Lawson is a woman of care. She is of the sun and the black earth. She comes from a Woman of Faith, and so she too is also. A Woman of Faith. Mary began singing to her father when she was a toddler. He would come home from work, lay his head in her lap and she would sing primary songs that she had learned in church. On Sunday’s her mother would sing the harmony part of the hymns chosen for sacrament. Both of her parents played music of the soul in their home and music of spirit; gospel and choral. Mary will listen and observe and through this act of listening and observing her ear and voice take shape(s).
She has always been interested in deeper meanings and questions. It is here in this third space and uncommon ground where she thrives and conjures her creative expression. Her way of seeing and being in the world is often leaning wayward and though this part of her was met with resistance in her younger years, as a thirty-something it is something she chooses, and nourishes everyday.
Not only does Mary find purpose in song and music she also finds purpose and continues developing an artistic and cultural practice in organizing and curation.
Mary Elizabeth Jo Dixen Pelenaise Kapi’olani Lawson also known as Mesonjixx in her performance practice – is an artist, composer, writer, performer, organizer and collaborator. She is the co-founder of Strange Fruit Femmes and has pursued leading a few thoughtful projects and programs for artists that continue on today.
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I will be an Artist in Residence at Mental Health Arts Space Berlin in September and October 2024.
More info about my project here: ‘TO BE SEEN’
New release here: Red Hat