"Barack Obama" At the Gallery

"Barack Obama" At the Gallery

Any first year art history student can tell you that two of the biggest influences on an art work and its artist are the political and social environment of the time. Then in true symbiosis the art and artist spark the public contentiousness thereby effecting that sociopolitical climate. This rule has not been more obviously illustrated than it has in the last year with the nomination and election of Barack Obama.

On sat January 17, the sat prior to inauguration day, I attend "Barack Obama" a collection of portraits by: Rico Anderson, John M Graham, Jean Patrick Icart Pierre, Nandi Icart Pierre, Jean Dominique Volcy at The Gallery. Exotic Homes and Gardens on Atlantic ave in Brooklyn has been clearing there show room once a month and hosting art exhibitions.

My initial excitement to attend this event was its location. The even was held in the heart of the Bedford- Stuyvesant Section of Brooklyn were I grew up. The ides that gentrification of my neighborhood, best known for Biggie songs and Spike Lee movies, had finally brought art community filled me a since of elation. This was a non-reality to me growing up but then so was the election of an African-American President. I happily ventured out into the single degree temperatures to attend this opening and I was not disappointed.

The exhibition of Barack Obama portraits reflected the emotional connection that people have for this president. This collection of paper and pencil; oil and canvas; told a story of reverence,hope and great expectations for a new leader.

"Barack Obama"

On display at The Gallery @ Exotic Homes Gardens through February 28, 2009

For information on this work contact

John M Graham for John M Graham -www.gmjart.com at michael0587@aol.com
Jean Patrick Icart Pierre for Jean Patrick Icart Pierre and Nandi Icart Pierre at Icartp@Verizion.net
Jean Dominique Volcy for Jean Dominique Volcy at Mado17@aol.com

Upcoming events

"Home Theater" photographs By Bradley Peters
at Melanie Flood Projects On January 28.
Curated by Amani Olu
http://melaniefloodprojects.com

"Johannesburg to New York"
at MoCADA On January 29.
80 Hanson Place, Brooklyn
mocada.org

Street Crush
Brooklyn Street Art show and party
at AlphaBeta on February 13
crush@brooklynstreetart.com