Innerspace Gallery hosted The Hope You Give, T.H.U.G.- a showcase curated by Founder and creator of SOY YO Magazine, Estaphania Ochoa. BLAK KANVAS was invited to showcase four original works that would be installed amidst eight unique visual artists from Sweden, New York, and Los Angeles. SOY YO Magazine partnered with 2 Hands 2 Employ (which employs at-risk youth in an effort to promote their growth into leadership) with the goal of fundraising $5,000 for the non-profit organization. The Hope You Give- offered a safe space for emerging artists to showcase their works diversely amongst one another, with all chosen artist's work aligning with the mission of Ochoa's publication. SOY YO Magazine understands that platforms (acting as safe space for community) are necessary in order to promote engagement and sustainable change in their respective spaces. Upon entering Innerspace, two pieces by BLAK KANVAS activate the viewer's attention: Untitled Twins and Mom, Shifts Happens. Off to the left, in a nice sized nook, original works by Crystal Lyn complimented a live set by local band, A.Z. Collective. The scale of her artwork ensured sufficient attention for the band's first live performance! Guests perused the work, inquired, and mingled. Amongst the interaction, a large painting of Frederick Douglass by Eric Welch caught the attention of BLAK KANVAS. Welch describes his interest with Douglas, the current climate, and how the piece is also a mirror to personal moments in his life- a story-time piece. Two more pieces by BLAK KANVAS (“Easy Man,” and “Untitled Man”) were installed amongst a varied assortment of visual work. Ochoa organized the pieces in a way that was fluid in motion. With a collage-like arrangement on wall, this format inspired on-lookers to engage fully with the selection of artworks- for an experience unique to the space. A huge thank you to Innerspace Gallery and Estephania for the invitation to show work for a cause bigger than us. Also, a thank you to Jiant for sponsoring the event with hard kombucha for the evening.
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