Abstract

October 29-November 19, 2020
Play Nice
1029 E. 4th St.
Long Beach, CA 90802

The culture of Los Angeles is driven by subgroups that deserve to be highlighted and acknowledged. BLAK KANVAS is intentional in representing landmarks, in a way that is intimate to both the artist and viewer. This exhibition is a celebration of these immortalized entities- as well as the people who revere them as parallel with native culture. In a uniquely representational way, the artist utilizes color, shape, and abstraction in a way that invites intrigue. Intrigue informs inquiry. This inquiry inspires dialogue that will remind viewers, especially those of this space, that their narrative deserves recognition. “Los Angeles - shareable stories,” is for the everyday native.

Abstract
With every image there is a story or multiple stories to share. “Los Angeles - shareable stories,” are original pieces by BLAK KANVAS that reflect a cultural subgroup of LA. Los Angeles holds a corner for everyone and this installation is a corner many natives can relate to and reference. The pieces depict Black images in pose or in action to immortalize and capture a moment: moments that are best known to the native Angelino.

"Nipsey," 2019, 3 x 4 feet

Los Angeles
-shareable stories.
by
BLAK KANVAS
Seasonal Debut: Opening, November 23, 2019
Post & Beam
3767 Santa Rosalia Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90008
323.299.5599
[email protected]

A message from Stay Gallery

This exhibition explores the concept of human connection in a time when social distancing is the new normal. Each artist offers a unique perspective on how our current collective experience impacts and reshapes our connection with nature, the people we love and ourselves.

Viewers will have the ability to navigate through a 3D gallery, get up close to artwork and learn about the artists. Join us from the comfort of your phone or computer.

Abstract

I have been reading Black Dimensions in Contemporary American Art by J. Edward Atkinson, and many of the conversations I have with my peers align with the introduction of this book. The phrase “Black Art” has been used as a genre tactic to exclude artists that are Black from exhibitions but also to include artists that are Black in installations solely with that information alone. I created this piece, BLACK ART ME as a reference to the fine line between “Black art” and art created by Black artists. The color red, metaphorically represents the common denominator and the meeting point of this thought. The Creation of Adam, the sky is painted in effortlessly and the blue sky is peeking as a way to hold onto the original 1512 piece. This idea that Blackness is a genre stifles the reality that the Black experience is not singular and groups all of the varying artists into one category on our ethnic identity alone.

BLACK ART _____ ME, Acrylic and Charcoal on canvas, 24 x 36 in., (2020)

human
Exhibition curated by
STAY GALLERY
Virtual Opening, May 1, 2020
Stay Gallery
11140 Downey Ave. Downey, CA 90241
562.774.2056
[email protected]

SOYYO Magazine opens the new decade with its first show at InnerSpace Gallery in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles. SOYYO Magazine was established in 2017 by Estefania E Ochoa, in Brooklyn, New York. SOYYO is a symbol of solidarity with a focus on unifying diverse voices, to ideate and raise consciousness within ourselves and for the evolution of our communities.

On Sunday, January 19, from 2 to 6 PM SOYYO Magazine will host its first event in Los Angeles, California which will be an immersive art show called, THUG: The Hope U Give. A spin on Tupac Shakur’s, California’s hip hop legend, redefinition of THUGLIFE which stands for “The Hate U Give Little Infants Fucks Everybody.”

BLAK KANVAS will be showcasing four original and cohesive pieces at Innerspace Gallery. Click here for more.

Abstract
“SiSTARS” features original works by BLAK KANVAS. The pieces celebrate the familiarity with self (the artist) and the women in our lives that consistently remain present in a positive light.
“SiSTARS” expresses that as Black women, we owe it to ourselves
to find our tribe and to do our part to encourage growth, strength, and intimacy in mundae parts of our everyday consciousness. BLAK KANVAS includes vulnerable images of Mother, “I embrace MINE for YOU,” with pink hands holding breasts coupled with Part II showcasing black breasts with pink outlinings representing, ironically her Mothers’ favorite color-pink- but also the
awareness of Breast Cancer.

Representing black artists in Los Angeles, BLAK KANVAS enters into a space of self reflection with pieces that include herself. SiSTARS is an impression of how the artist visualizes not only self but other black women in close proximity. Because journeys are not parallel, dynamic original works have been created to step outside of ourselves to reveal an objective truth-
whatever the viewers truth may be. Self-portraits and images similar for BLAK KANVAS are a new venture from previous images of characters exuding a more masculine energy. SiSTARS
creates a moment to be a woman- freely, without inhibitions.

SiSTARS
by
BLAK KANVAS
October 1-31, 2019
Reparations Club
4636 W Washington Blvd. Mid City LA, CA 90016
323.591.0012
[email protected]

Abstract
The collection of works displayed are sister pieces: they were created during different times, but when together, are cohesive.
This installation features a series of acrylic, charcoal and oil paintings on primed, stretched canvas. Bold, chaotic and visually stirring, Blak Kanvas’ works not only reflect her inner workings, but can be used by viewers as a source for emotional provocation and introspection.

As a self-taught, self-reliant artist, Blak Kanvas draws inspiration from her every-day experiences, interactions and conversations. Her works merge personalized textual commentary with colorful, collaged imagery. Deeply personal, yet applicable to an outside viewer’s perspective, Blak Kanvas’ works cycle through the layers of human emotion.

SISTER PIECES
by
BLAK KANVAS
August- October, 2019
Homiey Fruitvale
1232 Fruitvale Ave. Oakland, CA
94601
510.250.7198
[email protected]

Abstract
This exhibition addresses collectively, nothing specific. Uniquely, every piece will prompt a discussion for viewers. Each piece will evoke a range of feelings from self-appreciation to empathetic-pain. Together, the pieces are not creating a bigger message, each piece is separate from the last. There are no clues to the next pieces- the experience is objective and definitive. Viewers will be in awe of shapes, muse selection, and some daunted images.

The chaos of it all works because BLAK KANVAS is a Gemini. The duty of viewers upon entering is to be objective. Each piece is unique and deserves a clear mind to allow for new thoughts and ideas to thrive. If evoked, true emotions are allowed to flourish. This is a safe space that welcomes crying, laughter, anger, judgement, disgust, and confusion. This exhibit is also a celebration of life. The artists’ Mother is showcased and displayed with a vigil for others to participate by placing lit candles safely beneath the piece to immortalize and commemorate.

Savoir-faire

THE OTHER
An Unpopular Opinion
by
BLAK KANVAS
July 5 - 28, 2019
Stay Gallery
11140 Downey Ave. Downey, CA
90241
562.774.2056
[email protected]