Indigenous Matter a Solo Exhibition with Talita Long Artist Talk at Matter Studio Gallery, 5080 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles July 28, 2024 Sunday 2-4 PM It is such an Honor to host Talita Long in her Solo Exhibition Indigenous Matter at Matter Studio Gallery. Long’s creative expressions extend from her beautiful music as a singer songwriter, poet, to painter, printmaker, teacher, and Professor. Starting her Art Education and Art Practice at Howard University, then to the School of Visual Arts, on to Cooper Union, then to the University of Iowa where she received her MA and MFA degree, and finally earning her teaching credentials at UCLA in Applied Arts Program. Long Continues to record music while maintaining an active art exhibiting calendar as well. Trinidadian parents, she was born and raised in Brooklyn, Long’s artwork speaks of the struggles and injustices that continue for the black diaspora. She often references the performers in the Trinidad Carnival Celebrations and Ceremonies depicting the Jab Jab Character as the tempter, seducer, sinner, luring the innocent unsuspecting souls. Often Long hides, almost camouflages, these suspicious characters in the background making us aware of the constant possibility of danger, and giving us warning to stay alert and to be prepared. In Indigenous Matter, Long also presents us with the beauty and elegance of Blackness in her ‘Black Goddess’ series which features the nude form wrapped in rubbings of stylized design motifs referencing patterns in nature, architecture and fashion. Each drawing reveals these female figures with the strength, wisdom and warrioress qualities embodied in Black Indigenous Matter. Thank you for sharing to your network of followers about this important inter-generational artist. Talita Long continues to be an inspiring example to all artists as we artists and gallerists navigate to create an impact in our local communities.