Curatorial Highlights
Black Being
On view at Charlotte Street Foundation (Kansas City, MO) from Nov. 10, 2023 - Jan. 6, 2024
This exhibition ignites complex conversations about Black exceptionalism and cautions that the phrase “Black Excellence”, when used unironically, perpetuates the false idea that Black normalcy is inadequate, and disregards the inherent value of Black life.
Black Being purposely excludes struggle and oppression as a glorified subject matter of Black-created artworks in favor of an exhibition where Black people can just be. The fifteen Black artists featured in this exhibition explore a wide range of themes that give testament to the extensive ethnography of Black culture.
Featured Artists: Abby Oyesam, Amani Lewis, André Ramos Woodard, Basil Kincaid, Brian Ellison, Dawn Okoro, Derrick Adams, glyneisha, Kevin Hopkins, London Pierre Williams, Nehemiah Cisneros, rachel j. atakpa, Ronald Jackson, Tokie Rome Taylor, and William Toney.
Convergence Research (2021-2022)
Convergence Research is a collaboration between the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts (CWMCA) and the Blaffer Art Museum. It is a platform for experimentation and research for students and faculty of all artistic disciplines in the McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston with the goal of creating more opportunities for connection between the disciplines. Convergence Research supports interdisciplinary inquiry and techniques to stimulate creative process and cultivate works that are performative, temporary and in any stage of process.
Featured Artists: Cat Davila-Martinez, Marley Foster, Veronica Gaona, Zuri Humphrey, Nudo
(Photos courtesy of CWMCA)

Abby Oyesam; "Parkway"; 2023; Acrylic, Spray paint, Collage; 40 x 36; image courtesy of the artist

Kevin Hopkins; "Gossip Girls"; 2022; Oil and Oil Pastel on Canvas; 33 x 35 inches; image courtesy of the artist

glyneisha; "Truth and Reconciliation"; 2018; Graphite on Oil Ground on Canvas; 36 x 48 inches; image courtesy of the artist

Abby Oyesam; "Parkway"; 2023; Acrylic, Spray paint, Collage; 40 x 36; image courtesy of the artist



