Exhibition: April 13 through August 3, 2024
Reception/ Artist Talk and Performance by Nedra Wheeler Trio: Sunday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m.
Location:
Noah Purifoy Gallery and
Charles Mingus Gallery
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Welcome to Spray Cans & Paintbrushes, where three distinct artistic voices converge to explore the intersections of family, culture, and community. In this captivating showcase, we invite you to immerse yourself in the diverse perspectives of Michael Massenburg, Jacori Perry aka “AISEBORN,” and Michelle Guerrero aka “MR B BABY,” each offering a unique lens through which to contemplate the complexities of the human experience, struggle, and triumph.
Michael Massenburg captivates with his political take on class, race, and culture in an artistically stylized way. He infuses his pieces with earth tones and historical figures. His exploration of historical events challenge audiences to reconsider the part people of color have had throughout
American History, and his mobilization of objects and images on canvas engage the subjects beyond the representational, and psychological into the spiritual.
Meanwhile, AISEBORN brings his calligraphic infused artwork to encourage contemplation and meditation. His masterful use of ancient iconography and brush strokes convey emotions as varied as loss and redemption. His work serves as a poignant reflection on the black male as a paternal figure and the power of nurturing the most vulnerable.
Lastly, MR B BABY’s work delves into themes of resilience and regeneration, her portrayals of lambent piñata characters remind the viewer that it is only through rupture that our sweetest creations can come forth. Her work draws observers into a world where not all is as it seems. Ironically, it is her use of bright and vibrant colors that invites contemplation on the darker themes of existence.
As you journey through this exhibition, take note of the dialogues that emerge between these three distinct bodies of work. Though each artist offers a singular perspective, together they weave a rich tapestry of what it means to work together towards a brighter future. There is no doubt that this work will invite viewers to contemplate, question, and connect to our own community on a deeper level.
Spray Cans & Paintbrushes, invites you to explore the boundaries of artistic expression and engage with the myriad narratives woven throughout this captivating collection. We hope you find inspiration, reflection, and perhaps even transformation within these thought-provoking works.
Guillermo Aviles-Rodriguez, PhD - Curator