Maurice Evans and Grace Kisa’s Nu Africans Is Bold, Black and Beautiful

Inspired by the legendary warriors and queens from the African continent, models were styled in elaborate costumes with striking headpieces and crowns, then photographed as both a warrior and a queen. Though the inspiration takes its roots from the continent, these women are from this time, this place, and embody all the experiences that have brought them here.

“Sharing our experiences as Africans on both sides of the Atlantic was the catalyst for Nu Africans,” states artists Maurice Evans and Grace Kisa. “Through the medium of photography, music and video, and in collaboration with 40 women from around the African diaspora, we have created an exhibition which aspires to center the Black woman in her own power.”

Here are some photographs taken by Evans, with styling by Kisa, which are featured in the exhibit.

Maurice Evans’ creative focus was first realized through the lens of music. Born in Smyrna, TN, his father was a military man but also a gifted drummer and singer in a gospel choir. He introduced Maurice to guitar lessons at the age of 4, and these lessons along with his exposure to the music of Al Green, Chaka Khan and Marvin Gaye inspired his creative growth. When his family settled in Georgia, and after his parents' divorce, he began his path to become an artist. In 1986, he was accepted to the Art Institute of Atlanta where he studied Fashion Illustration to advance his painting and drawing skills.

After college, Maurice worked at design firms, but didn’t achieve the artistic freedom he desired. In 1994, with support from family and friends, he had his first successful exhibition at the juried Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. And at the New York Art Expo, he was introduced to clients and collectors. Since then his work has been featured in numerous galleries and he has received national and international acclaim

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Grace Kisa spent her formative years in Kenya, Ethiopia, Botswana, Canada, then McLean, VA before settling in Atlanta, GA. She came to Atlanta to study at The Art Institute of Atlanta, after which she began her pursuit of a career in art.

Working in many different mediums, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, costume and jewelry design, and photography, Grace’s artwork explores the connections between personal, cultural, national, and global perspectives. Her artistic process is a combination of creative play and problem solving, and her work explores ideas including: identity and how it relates to notions of comfort and alienation; migration and how one acculturates to a new environment; and the concept of home set against the context of time and space. Her work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the U.S.

The Defender of the Galaxy is the protector of a generous space where we all thrive.

As The Universe she represents everything that exists, everything that has existed, and everything that will exist.

Silver War represents the unconquered. My place in the universe is a significant thing.

Silver Sun Goddess is an agent of change making way for a new dawn.

She is a Super Nova, an affirmation, the most luminous, a signifier of the beginning.