Real Black: a spectrum of the Black present

October 1st – December 11th, 2020

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 1st, 5-8 pm

Free Parking in the Cherry St. Garage, levels 5 & 6

Real Black: a spectrum of the Black present illustrates both the experiences of living Black artists and visions of the future.  This show delineates current history and a new era of civil unrest. As a display of the living, Real Black presents a glimpse of the beauty of daily life while depicting an auspicious equitable future. 

The eleven Black Kansas City artists selected use a variety of mediums to explore a spectrum of the present in a conceptual, realistic and futuristic manner. These works include imagery of the queer domiciliary, sculptings of the Black body, photographs of local protests, contemporary portraiture, fantastical layered collage, and abstracted explorations of early 21st century Black culture. 

Featuring works by: Phil Shafer, Jada Patterson, William Toney, Ari Bonner, Evan Jackson, Kat Looney, Frank Norfleet, Danielle Randle, Makayla Booker, Aaron Cecil, and JT Daniels

 We are pleased to present the following Real Black Exhibition Video which gives personal artist’s statements and curatorial insights to our previous exhibition, Real Black: A Spectrum of the Black Present. Though this show has ended, we hope this video allows viewers to experience the exhibition in a new way.

Click here to view the video.