The HUMAN SPIRIT
On February 1 RJD Gallery will open an exhibition celebrating the black experience.
Artists Harmonia Rosales, Phillip Thomas and Jules Arthur paint contemporary figurative works that speak to humanity through religion, emotions, relationships and a vast number of social issues that are prevalent in the world today. Their pieces are identifiable by their individual painting styles that complement the narratives their paintings take. February 1 through March 15, the artists’ works will hang at RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, New York, for the exhibition In Plain Sight.
“RJD Gallery recognizes and honors the importance of the African-American diaspora not just during Black History Month, but throughout the year,” says gallery principal Richard Demato. “We celebrate the black experience through art, conversation and mentorship to illuminate, inspire and empower current and future generations to embrace this history so that they may create a more understanding and loving world.”
Along with the gallery exhibition will be a grand opening on February 23. During the opening CNN Tonight host Don Lemon will give the talk “Rich in Black History” moderated by Cristina Cuomo, editor of Purist.
In her paintings, Rosales presents stories from African cultures in a style that is reminiscent of Old Masters paintings to show how regardless of beliefs and backgrounds there are elements that are relatable to everyone. “I’m always thinking and I’m always in the now,” Rosales says. “What I’m doing is kind of getting back to revealing our roots, and this is of any person of color that comes from African diaspora.”
On view in the show will be the painting Ase, which is a sneak preview of her new series focusing on the Afro-Cuban religion of Lucumí, also known as Santería, meaning “worship of saints.” The pieces