Jefferson Pinder was awarded the USA Joyce Fellowship in 2016 for his work in performance. The United States Artists website writes:
"Jefferson Pinder’s work provokes commentary about race and struggle. Focusing primarily with neon, found objects, and video, Pinder investigates identity through the most dynamic circumstances and materials. Through his meditative exploration with light and sound or his intensely grueling corporeal performances, he delves into conversations about race. His exploration of sound, music and physical performance are conceptual threads to examine history, cultural appropriation, and portrayals of exertion and labor. Creating collaged audio clips and surreal performances he underscores themes dealing with Afro-Futurism and endurance. "
More information on this award can be found here:
unitedstatesartists.org
