ART IS A QUESTION

BANG TEMPLE is a series of artistic explorations on the topic of origin; Blackness, the womb, the concept of the black hole and the BIG BANG as theory. It is recognized that humanity is of BLACK origin, that the seat of humanity is an African reality.

BANG TEMPLE reveals through the work of artists of color, a unity of power and intention evident in the spirit of a unique and varied cultural experience.

The temple serves as the spiritual aspect of Blackness and being. An undefinable current, or frequency, is evidenced in the creativity of the Black Diaspora. This current is the focus of the work displayed in this exhibition.

Scratch(es) asks the question; is the unknowable knowable?

Artists featured in this exhibition: Kyana Brindle, Tanisha Christie, Patrick Dougher, Andre Futrell (Minerals Studio+), Mercedeh Mirshamsi, Alexandria O’Neal, Vernando Reuben, Bria Whitney

VibeRationale

vibrational-energy. Noun. (plural vibrational energies) (physics) The energy in a vibrating system, otherwise at rest; especially that in a molecule due to the vibrations of its atoms.

Curatorial Statement: VibeRationale

Form has been said to be the rational idea of perfection as it is a pursuit of line, light, color and sound in its quantifiable reality, this in relation to art.

The abstractionists of the early 20th century onward challenged and radicalized these ideas through their respective art practices.

The work of Danie Herard and Bria Whitney continue this challenge by questioning form on a quantum and vibratory level. Their work asks of us to evaluate form as it rests in existence as abstraction, as chaos and connection.

Artists featured in this exhibition: Danie Herard, Bria Whitney

Curatorial Statement:

WHAT IS A QUESTION, AND WHAT DOES IT DO FOR US? WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF ART, IT PROVIDES AN OPENING WHICH IN ITSELF IS POSSIBILITY. THROUGH THE EXPRESSION OF HERNEASE DAVIS AND MALIK AZEZ, WE SEE THE WORKINGS OF
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR QUESTIONING THAT ORGANICALLY MIRROR AND DISRUPT NOTIONS OF BODILY AND SOCIETAL STRUCTURE. THIS TOWARD A SENSE OF INNER AND OUTER MOVEMENT.

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE / Artists Statements

Hernease Davis

Through self-portrait photograms, crochet, cyanotypes, performance and sound, I am creating an interior empathic practice where I can connect with and care for myself. The works in my current series, A Womb of My Own (Mistakes Were Made in Development), come from a need to imbue an element of self-care in the process of making each piece. I have always found mental relief in musical texture, the repetition in crochet, and the analog photographic process.

Malik Azez

When I create, I don't do it to be relevant, the center of attention, I don't paint temporary current events for relevancy. It's not real. It's not me. It wouldn't show you who I am or what im going through exactly.