The curator of the Cage Match Project and host for this podcast, Ariel René Jackson, interviews Round 14 artist,  Taylor Barnes, an Austin-based artist whose interdisciplinary fiber practice engages a research-based approach to internal and external complexities of her experience as a Black woman in America. Her current research in Barracoons utilizes wood, nails, and fiber to transform the cage into an enclosed shelter, complicating the notion of confinement and shifting meaning towards safety. We spoke about the possibilities and limitations of understanding the experience of enslaved Africans held in Barracoons before being boarding onto Atlantic slave ships–not knowing what tomorrow might bring. Relating this sense of not knowing to our reality of shelter-at-home, Barnes talks about the necessity to create in order to relieve anxiety and we chat about society’s seemingly psychic preparedness for social distancing via social media and cell phones. Between now and whenever the Austin area is relieved of social distancing, it is my intention to bring on individuals to speak further about notions of being confined but in the meantime enjoy the show! @cagematchproject  @barnes_artistry__  @arielrenejacksonstudio