(MENAFN- Caribbean News Now) Victor Davson - Watercolor series
NEW YORK, USA – Newark's Akwaaba Gallery will host a reception on Friday, August 16, 2019, 6-9 pm, for the opening of 'Origins: Memories from the Metropolis', an exhibition featuring eight artists who all received their professional training in the metropolis of New York, but trace their origins to the nations of the Caribbean archipelago.
The paintings, designs and mixed media creations of Ademola Olugebefola, Carla Armour, Carlton Murrell, Diogenes Ballester, Francks Deceus, Kevin Darmarnie, Patricia Brintle, and Victor Davson have all received critical acclaim and multiple exhibitions in the art capitals of Europe and North America. They continue to gain much of their inspiration from those formative years of exposure to a unique culture formed in the crucible of colonialism, misogyny, and resourcefulness.
Many of us of Caribbean ancestry or birth who live and work in the USA or the UK maintain links with the region, either through extended family, business or as visitors.
For those who no longer have such connections, there may be family stories or even heirlooms which somewhat bridge the gap between the experiences in the Caribbean and North America or Europe. These remnants of our history are sometimes romanticized, while others may cause links to be severed as the memories could be harsh or certainly not always pleasant.
Ademola O - Caribbean Noon, watercolorOur eight chosen artists have all spent their formative years in their countries of origin and most of their adult lives in the metropolises of New York and London. They have all maintained a relationship with the region, some closer than others.
However, it is undeniable that their creative work is enhanced by the rich experiences of their upbringing in the Caribbean, their transition to life in the metropolis, and the collective memories of the extended family, spiritual connections which take us back to the African source. They speak with a visual language which encapsulates those connections while exploring the realities of everyday life in the Metropolis.
Patricia Brintle - Night wedding 36×48 Acrylic on canvas 2017The gallery is located at 509 S. Orange Avenue, Newark, NY 07103; and will host Artists' Talks on Friday, August 30 and September 20. The exhibition will close on September 30.
Diogenes Ballester - From the elements - ink & encaustic on wood panelAkwaaba Gallery opened its doors on February 15, 2019. Akwaaba's owners, Laura Z. Bonas Palmer and her husband Ray Palmer purchased and renovated the building which houses the gallery, four lofts, and a mailbox store.
Determined to be a part of building their community, Laura and Ray, both Caribbean immigrants, opened the first Art Gallery to the Newark West Ward. Akwaaba Gallery is a hidden Newark gem located in the historic Fairmount neighborhood and features diverse works of contemporary art.
Akwaaba's mission is to engage the community and public with exhibitions featuring emerging local, national and international artists. "Origins: Memories from the Metropolis" is the fourth Akwaaba exhibit and a poignant tribute to Caribbean artists living in the Metropolis.
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