(from left to right) "Little Black Girl" by Moses Salihou; "Morning Sunshine" by Gregory Saint Amand; and "A Tale Of Two Dreams" by O'Neil Scott
(NEWARK, NJ) -- These are the last few weeks to see Collective Narratives at Newark Artspace. The captivating exhibition showcases work by six artists: Moses Salihou, Gregory Saint Amand, O'Neil Scott, Candice Tavares, Tommy Mitchell, and Guy Stanley Philoche. The exhibition is presented by Newark Arts and Tanya Weddemire Gallery and runs through February 4, 2025.
This exhibition is an amalgamation that celebrates diverse voices and powerful storytelling while highlighting the beauty of figurative language across various mediums, including mixed media on paper, oil on canvas, oil on panel, and mixed media on panel. Each artist contributes their distinctive background to shape Collective Narratives, creating a profound tribute to our stories. These narratives speak of family connections, the beauty of natural hair, resilience, recognition, and the shared joy of nostalgic childhood memories. It honors our shared and individual experiences, representing a hopeful vision for our community—one where every perspective is valued, and every voice is heard.
Tanya Weddemire, Founder and CEO of Tanya Weddemire Gallery, shared, “I’m truly honored to partner with Newark Arts to present this beautiful exhibition, Collective Narratives, and introduce new talents through our commitment of amplifying community, culture, and legacy. I believe that each piece in this body of work, and each artist involved, shares a unique and deeply personal connection within the lines they create.”
Moses Salihou's abstract oil paintings on canvas are characterized by rich textures and layered intensity. He uses a distinctive scraping technique, applying thick layers of paint with a palette knife to create stout, rectangular strokes. These strokes guide the viewer’s eye across the canvas, establishing a rhythmic pathway. His skillful manipulation of form and texture reflects the complexity of the human experience, encouraging contemplation of the diverse narratives and emotions we all carry.
Gregory Saint Amand skillfully incorporates hidden symbols and found objects into his layered mixed media works on paper and canvas. He depicts figures in striking greyscale, which contrasts boldly with the vibrant bursts of color that surround them. This contrast highlights the reflection of youth and enhances the playful energy and visual impact of the artwork. His innovative framing technique positions elements just outside the edges of the canvas, creating a sense of expansiveness and intrigue that evokes motion and depth.
O’Neil Scott's oil-on-panel artwork explores the transformative role of memory in shaping identity and envisioning the future. Scott conveys a profound sense of shared history by using deep, evocative shades of primary colors. Blending these colors at their foundation creates a subtle interplay of light and dark. His ominous tones act as a visual metaphor for introspection, inviting viewers to reflect on how past experiences continue to influence one’s sense of self.
Candice Tavares offers a refreshing perspective on mixed-media wood artistry. She intentionally balances intricate designs with an organic flow to replicate the inherent beauty within Black Women. As a self-taught artist, she approaches each piece with a refined sense of structure and composition, using laser cutters and carving tools to achieve meticulous precision. The diverse grains and tones from multiple types of wood bring depth, texture, and unity to her work.
Tommy Mitchell's artwork on paper seamlessly combines ballpoint pen and acrylic paint, resulting in an intricate and tactile quality that enhances the realism of his portraits. His exploration of contrast through these mediums enriches his portrayal of identity and strength. By centering the eyes of his subjects within the composition, he establishes an immediate connection with the viewer. Through meticulous line work and vibrant colors, Mitchell celebrates the beauty of individuals within the Black Diaspora.
Guy Stanley Philoche's vibrant colors and thoughtful compositions invite viewers to reflect on their viability while he utilizes a layering technique that resembles a concrete building, further acknowledging the complexities within the human experience. His mixed media works on canvas, paper, and panel offer structured symmetry and balance, featuring the tagline "Post No Bills" at the top and a delicate floral daisy motif at the bottom.
Newark Artspace is located at 355 Broad Street in Newark, New Jersey.
The Newark Arts Council is a vital institution that positions Newark as a global City of the Arts. Since its founding in 1981, Newark Arts has dedicated over 40 years to enriching the city's vibrant arts and culture scene, ensuring that its benefits reach all Newark residents. With a mission of "Powering the Arts to Transform Lives," they leverage the arts to inspire meaningful change within the community. As a trusted intermediary, dynamic collaborator, cultural catalyst, and marketing powerhouse, Newark Arts embodies the essence of creative placemaking. By showcasing Newark as a beacon of artistic and cultural innovation, they enhance the city's vibrancy and highlight the arts' incredible potential to drive urban economic growth.
Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Executive Director of Newark Arts, shared, “For over four decades, Newark Arts has been at the heart of our city’s cultural vibrancy, positioning Newark as a global City of the Arts. ‘Powering the Arts to Transform Lives’ is not just a mission statement for us—it’s a testament to the role arts and culture play in shaping Newark’s identity, driving economic growth, and building a more vibrant, inclusive city. This exhibition, in partnership with Tanya Weddemire Gallery, is an example of how Newark Arts continues to amplify the voices of local and global artists, inspire innovation, and showcase the raw talent that defines Newark.”
The Tanya Weddemire Gallery is a Brooklyn-based art gallery that thrives from being a vital source and representation of the arts. It's a premier art destination dedicated to showcasing the work of emerging established artists. Its mission is to deepen the value and importance of art by enriching each person's perspective on life explorations through exhibits. The gallery applies thoughtful and intentional curation while integrating cultural and historical connections to all their shows that can include, but are not limited to, paintings, sculptures, drawings, photography, fashion, and furniture. Renowned for its impact on the art scene, the Tanya Weddemire Gallery has been featured in respected publications such as Forbesblk, Vanity Fair, ARTNEWS, Art in America, Brooklyn Rail, Industry City Publication, Amsterdam News, Black Art Magazine, PR News Wire, Brooklyn Reader, Hyperallergic, Bluecalf, Voice of America, and Park Magazine. Located at Industry City Building 2 : 254 36th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11232.
