By Art in Oregon
Curated by Tammy Jo Wilson
About the exhibition
Black Matter showcases contemporary Oregon-based black artists in an effort to address an imbalance in representation. Their voices should be heard, not because they are black, because they are human beings with unique life experiences.
Souvenir Black MatterArt in Oregon
Black artists should be recognized
As individuals, without the filter of what the Western art canon tells us black art is or should be. The goal of the exhibition is to broaden cultural awareness of and appreciation for art by black artists in Oregon.
Black Matter offers black artists opportunities
to share artwork that expresses what’s in their hearts and minds without the requirement of a political agenda.
Here is a selection of exhibited works from 2016 to 2021.
Artist Spotlight: Jamila Clarke
"I discovered my first camera at 8 and fell in love with film in middle school but it wasn’t until I discovered digital photography that everything came together. I was able to create impossible moments, narratives worthy of folktales and add a little magic to everyday life."
Soul Eyes (2020) by Lorraine RicheyArt in Oregon
Artist Spotlight: Lorraine Richey
Richey's signature style of photography speaks to the heart and soul of its viewers, and uses a unique combination of digital technology and photography.
"It’s almost as if, in order to be a successful black artist, they must perpetually create art that speaks on black culture and racism. It’s not important for an artist’s race to be apparent just by looking at their work but, knowing that there are an increasing number of black artists being featured in museums and galleries is important." ~Tania Inniss
Covid-19 Beginnings (2020) by Lorraine RicheyArt in Oregon
Artist Spotlight: Lorraine Richey
"Making my photographs gives me an opportunity to take suffering, and reframe it into something thought provoking and beautiful that transcends time and space."
"True progress will be achieved when work by black artists are collected based on the same criteria as their mainstream white counterparts instead of being judged as having an inherent racial bias. It is up to modern day art collectors, curators, and art historians to change the perspective." ~Tania Inniss
Souvenir-Black Matter-MOWO-IMG_1183Art in Oregon
Stay tuned for more
BLACK MATTER is an ongoing exhibit series, curated by Tammy Jo Wilson: a black artist, curator, and educator living in Portland, Oregon.
Art by MOsley WOtta
Visit our website to learn more about the BLACK MATTER program.
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