IAM that IAM
Tuesday, February 1 | Ongoing through February 27
@ Waller Gallery
IAM that IAM
I create until nothing is left but my legacy
The Tiny White Wall Gallery presents “IAM that IAM,” a multi-city art show culminating in pieces from an international selection of over 15 black artists exploring the depths of black consciousness, heritage and identity. Poised to carry on the aesthetic values of the likes of Ben Enwonwu “the father of African Modernism”, the Negritude, and the Harlem Renaissance movement, IAM that IAM is a joyous expression of black pride by visual artists ranging from a multitude of mediums and styles from old masters to Neo-Afroism. Born from a trending social call to black artists of all backgrounds and ages, IAM that IAM is now creating open spaces in Baltimore, New York City and Washington D.C. to celebrate the aesthetic value of the black mark.
The show features over 15 contemporary artists and visual influencers, IAM that IAM showcases the versatility and nuances of the modern black arts movement. The thematic expressions that embody these artists’ collections of work include themes of fractured identity, justice —or lack thereof—and beauty within the blackexpression and the specific contexts from which it emerges across the globe. Noticeable artists showcased include Sanusi Olatunji, a South African fabric collage artist who utilizes and recycles discarded fabric into vibrant, textured portraits of everyday people. He has discovered a love for working in several mediums, but paper and fabric collages have been his most favorite tools as he sees his method of collaging as a form of converting waste into wealth. Also on display is an original mixed media painting by the world-renowned Cuban artist, Wifredo Lam. Lam is celebrated for combining the rich heritage of his Afro-Caribbean origins with his passion for African sculpture making, resulting in an aesthetic language unique to Lam and soon available to a whole new generation through the IAM that IAM show.
The Afro-Diaspora is rising and the future is now. The “now” is a momentous occasion to celebrate artists of African descent as they expand the boundaries of the visual art medium through IAM that IAM’s eclectic palette of bold and vivid works that declare we are here—here to make our mark.
Featuring:
Summer Brown, Wifredo Lam, Sansusi Olatunji, Mlambi Siyabonga, Moses Salihou, Eric Robinson, Daniel Asholasa, Lantei Mills, Damola Adeyemo, Bidias Romaric, Boluwatife Lawal, Aisha Tandiwe Bell, Enoch Chinweuba , Ntate Phakela, Merle A. Davison, Mayowa Esan, Franck Ezan, Ethel Aanyu, Rene Tavares, Samson Toba
Curated by Michael Hyman
The show is free and open to the public, we invite the general public, educators, art collector, and especially student groups.
If you would like more information about this art exhibition, send inquires to [email protected]