Artists: Joseph Brandon, Lauren Levi, Shawanna, Showzart, Chantel Walkes. Curated by: Anefertiti Bowman Opening Reception: Saturday, February 12, 2022, 1-6 PM Closing Reception: Saturday, March 12, 2022, TBA LOS ANGELES, CA (Feburary 1, 2022) – At SoLA, we have always sought to challenge the dominant narratives, trends, and structures that make up the world of contemporary fine art. To do this, we have embraced experimentation and prioritized the inclusion of diverse artists and art forms. During our first five years on Slauson Avenue, we strove to make SoLA a safe and welcoming gallery where artists of color could exhibit their art and feel empowered in the space. The white walls of our gallery have held up vibrant and diverse artworks. They have told stories, prompted reflection, and urged action. In honor of Black History Month, we will take SoLA’s mission one step further. Rather than continue to take up space on the proverbial white wall, we have redefined what an art gallery can look like and disrupted traditional notions about who is allowed to take up space within it. SoLA Contemporary proudly presents On BLACK, curated by SoLA Executive Director, Anefertiti Bowman. As part of On BLACK, the walls of SoLA Contemporary have been painted black from floor to ceiling. We do this as an act of joyful resistance and as a celebration of the black experience, acceptance, beauty, and power. It is a reclamation of the gallery as a space for art, imagination, healing and pride. While On BLACK is a response to the whitewashing and appropriation of black arts and culture that has endured for centuries, it does not dwell heavily on the past. Rather, the five artists, Joseph Brandon, Lauren Levi, Shawanna Davis, Showzart, and Chantel Walkes use their knowledge of shared histories and experiences to envision a better collective future. Using spray paint, acrylic, fabrics, collage, found objects, and archival images, these multidiscipline, multimedia artists depict black life vividly and richly. Their artworks exist in conversation – with each other, and with the black wall itself – juxtaposing, harmonizing with, and enhancing it. “Black people have always had to exist within white spaces. , what would it mean for an artist and its audience to see artwork – within their own image – in conversation up against a black wall? This was the question that inspired Anefertiti Bowman, as she curated this exhibition. “With On BLACK, the tables are turned. It's a time to heal and a place to take up space. It’s joyful, it’s vibrant, it’s an inclusive dialogue, and a moment of freedom and reclamation.” For Bowman, who has been curating and advocating for BIPOC artists in Los Angeles for the past five years, On BLACK is a sort of culminating point in her LA-based career. Through it all, Bowman’s mission has been to create better access to the arts and to cultivate spaces where black artists and voices can thrive and feel comfortable pursuing their work. “I can see myself in these artists,” says Bowman. “We’re all searching for a sense of belonging. The urge to connect and discover new branches of our identity. On Black is a way for our community to hold space and to be in space with each other.” On BLACK, coincides with and honors Black History Month. It will be on view at SoLA Contemporary from February 12 - March 12, 2022, with additional programming to be announced. We invite you to hold space with us during this exciting and harmonious time, as we celebrate blackness and all the multitudes contained within.