[Washington, DC] Anacostia Arts Center is wrapping up the year with a vision of the future. The recent explosion of interest in Afrofuturism has led to this end of year group show. As an organization that stays connected to the culture and community beat, AAC is bringing many of these progressively thinking artist for what is sure to be an enlightening and inspirational exhibition.
Black Gold celebrates Black Excellence throughout time and space. Uniting figurative and abstract elements, these five artists create vivid representations of Black culture that exist independent of temporal experience. The five local artists selected to be part of this experience are from varied backgrounds but all equally passionate about their craft and message.
Black Gold runs from November 30 through January 5 in Vivid Gallery. Located in the lounge of the Anacostia Arts Center, the opening reception will take place on November 30 from 6-9PM. This event is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be provided. An opportunity to meet with and speak to the artists will happen on TBD. Follow our social media sites for up-to-date information on all events taking place at the Anacostia Arts Center.
About the Artists:
Cary Michael is a native of Mobile, Alabama and currently resides inWashington, DC. He earned his BS in Fine Arts from Florida A&M University,where he was founder and president of the FAMU Fine Arts Society andgraphic artist for the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science. He receivedhis MA in Design Management from Savannah College of Art and Design. Michael currently serves in the capacity of a Design Examiner for thefederal government, Studio Artist at Cheers Art Studio, Frontline ministryat Zion Church, and Mentor for Best Kids, Inc., while devoting his freetime to developing his start-up artist collective “The Artbae Society”. His artwork has been featured in exhibits at venues throughout theWashington metro area, New Jersey, New York, Alabama, and Florida, andis part of permanent collections.
Oluwatoyin Tella has an uncommon rapport towards mathematics and the visual arts. She received both her Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Howard University. By pulling from her experiences of a Nigerian childhood and matriarchal Caribbean home, in New York during the “golden age of hip-hop”, Telle incorporates a multi-dimensional yet inclusive perspective. The cultural infusion that she has within and her experiences are incorporated into her compositions. Most recently, she was commissioned to create artwork for a Haitian Relief Fundraiser. Tella currently resides in Maryland with her two children.
Jessica Valoris is the full package of creativity. She is a visual and performing artist, emcee, and youth advocate. Her visual and installation-based art celebrates visionary and healing practices drawing from her own Afro-diasporic and Judaic cultural traditions and expressions. Through use of vibrant color, sound-collage and, mixed media, Valoris transforms spaces into portals for self-reflection, connection and wellness. She currently works with The Future Project and City at Peace DC. She is the creative architect of xigga.Projeck and is one half of the rap-duo “Colored Girls Hustle”.
Andrew Williams caught the attention of the Anacostia Arts Center at Art All Night 2017 and his subsequent show at the Center was his first gallery exhibition. Through social media promotion, Williams caught the attention of Craig Tinski, who invited him to be part of his ‘Modern Art Perfected’ Art Basel and Art Week show in Miami, Fl. Williams’ artwork blends hip-hop, cartooning, street art and biblical studies in order to display scriptures in an urban way. Influenced by Hanna-Barbera, Aaron Mcgruder, Aaron Martin and Banksy, every piece depicts Holy scriptures with a graffiti vibe. Williams currently lives in Suitland, MD with his wife and daughter.
Ashley Joi Whitley is an abstract painter and mixed-media artist with her own unique style of creating. At Hampton University, she studied Fine Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design, she considers herself an ‘art school/self-taught’ hybrid. A Washington, DC native, Whitley lived in San Diego for 4-years, where the open-minded culture allowed her to explore non-traditional subject matter in her paintings. She has found herself driven to paint women in majestic, imaginative, fantasy settings. These pieces have become referred to as “The Goddesses”. Whitley currently lives in Northern Virginia with her daughter who is also a budding artist.
