African American artists are being celebrated with two stirring exhibits in Pompano Beach. Historic Ali Cultural Arts hosts the provocatively titled Coloured which focuses on the use of pigments and paint on various objects. Just a few blocks away at Bailey Contemporary Arts, As a Matter of Black – A Seat at the Table confronts ideas about race.
“These are two different, but equally outstanding exhibits,” said Phyllis Korab, Director of the Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department. “Each presentation brings to light new aspects for viewers to explore and discuss. Since the venues are a short distance apart, we encourage viewers to visit both locations to create a fully engaged experience.”
Coloured was curated by Gary L. Moore. To some, the title may seem inappropriate in today’s culture, but to Moore, it evokes a response that focuses attention on the essential subject matter, conveying diverse renditions of contemporary African diasporic visual culture. The exhibit is a vibrant journey exploring how pigment, when set down on canvas, paper and wood, changes with each surface, providing new meaning and context. The exhibit features the works of more than ten artists, all of African descent, including the late Purvis Young, who was an inspiration for Moore.
As a Matter of Black is an annual exhibition curated by Bart Mervil of the Miami Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE). The exhibit confronts the ideas about blackness as a color, ethnicity, currency and even universal matter. This particular exhibition explores the significance of having a seat at the table: socially; economically; politically; and casually – within the context of the Black Life experience. Featured artists include Robert McKnight, Solely Supreme, Sona, Tavare Hill and Vladymir Acloque.
MUCE is an arts production company that installs and curates pop-up exhibitions to activate corporate and community brands. Working in heritage neighborhoods, the company also brings rich cultural programming from hyper local spaces to the cultural explorer through live painters, performers, festivals and niched cultural experiences.
