Continuing with our Black/Brown Dialogues:
“Lives at the Intersection”
Curated by Dr. Gerda Govine Ituarte, Ed.D.
Mely Barragan · Nathaniel Bustion · Pamela Davis · Jan Jackson · Jacobo Ramirez · Oscar Sanabria
Opening Night Reception: Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 7-10 pm
The Avenue 50 Studio is proud to present “Lives at the Intersection,” an exhibit featuring multi-media works of art by six Los Angeles artists. The works are as diverse as the artists. Many of us live at the intersection of bi-racial, bi-cultural, intra-cultural and immigrant realities. Black/Brown relationships are stretched across a racialized domestic and international landscape sprinkled with preconceived stereotypes. Our exhibit focuses on a “value added” (strength and benefit) perspective regarding the spaces created at that intersection. Each artist created a space for conscious dialogue exploring commonalities and possibilities. They capture moments shaped by their experiences and truth, and invite the audience to consider the multi-faceted opportunities.
Mely Barragán is one of the best contemporary artists in Mexico whose multi-media work has been exhibited in shows throughout Europe, Mexico, the U.S.: New York, Pasadena, San Diego; and Tijuana. Selected sites include the San Diego Museum, Galeria H&H, Cornerhouse and Bronx River Art Center. Her work is original and creates thought-evoking, spirited and diverse dialogue. Mely tackles women’s issues and even the street mechanics’ Muffler men from Tijuana. She will create numerous installations for “Living at the Intersection.”
Nathaniel Bustion is a painter, sculptor, educator, philosopher and poet. His work is universal and stretches across Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and North America. The images he creates are extraordinary and holds your attention and takes your breath away. Nathaniel is considered perhaps one of the most gifted African American artists who continue to create visions that transcend time and place touching one’s spirit and senses again and again.
Pamela Davis, photographer, was born and raised in East Los Angeles. She exhibited at Pomona’s Millard Sheets Gallery, Pasadena Art Walk, and One Colorado. She attended Cal Arts and, Otis Art Institute. Pamela was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2004 International Photography Awards. Her photographs are beautiful and illuminates everyday sightings. Pamela’s work is a gift for viewers to behold and leads to endless discovery.
Jan L. Jackson is owner of Captured on Canvas Portrait and Design Studio. She is a multi-media artist who prefers creating portraits working with oils. Expressing movement and capturing “moments” is the heart of her creations. Pamela produces a range of images from women with flowing white summer dresses on the beach, weddings, and family togetherness. Jan created artwork for “Lives at the Intersection.”
Jacobo Ramirez is an emerging artist who creates artwork using multi-media, woodcut, photography, acrylic, drawings, installation to make space for discourse across diverse peoplescapes and landscapes focused on solutions and different ways of being. His work is grounded in observations and experiences growing up in South Gate and attending UCLA. He exhibited his work in group shows in Los Angeles. Jacobo is producing some original artwork for “Living at the Intersection.”
Oscar Sanabria is a long-time East Los Angeles resident and descendent of Guatemala. He exhibited locally and internationally at Tropico de Nopal, Pharmaka, San Francisco Art Institute, Self-Help Graphics and in Japan. He grew up and experienced diversity first-hand and was intrigued by the “other.” The theme of identity is woven throughout Oscar’s work which is dramatic and thoughtful. And, at the same time, his work startles and welcomes. Join us as we journey to and through “Lives at the Intersection.”
August 9, 2008 through September 7, 2008
Sponsored by: Myra Booker, Ph.D.; Sandy Bleifer, Artist; Lisa Boags, Documentary fillmaker (Tuskegee Airmen); Eleanor Brownn; Christina and James Cook, M.D.; Joann Edmond; Ruthie and Attorney Joe Hopkins (Publishers of the Pasadena San Gabriel Valley Journal); Lara Larramendi; Alex and Jaylene Moseley; Attorney Angela Oh; Rebecca S. Rojas, Ph.D.; Linda Rose, Ph.D. (Cerritos College); Shirley Spencer; Professor Jack Turman, Ph.D. (USC); Attorney Carolyn Williams; and COFAC.
The Black/Brown Dialogues: Lives at the Intersection is supported in part by the Ford Foundation, JP Morgan, Chase, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Southwest Airlines through a grant from the NALAC Fund for the Arts.