INGA MARIA

RAY OYOLA

KEITH RAMSEY

KHALDUN OLIVER

JASON FORD

JAMES E. CLARKE III

LANGSTON TUPPONCE

MAURICIO PATARROYO

MINORITYARTEXHIBITIONMETROSPACEGALLERYRICHMONDVA 082009

AN EVENT THAT IDENTIFIES, PROMOTES AND SUPPORTS MINORITY ARTISTS

MINORITYARTEXHIBITIONMAE is a pioneering art exhibition dedicated to showcasing contemporary art by African American and Latin American artists, providing practical advice on art procurement, and encouraging minorities to invest in art. The exhibition will be a key source for art enthusiasts and collectors to fi nd and purchase exquisite, museum-quality artwork. It will feature an exclusive selection of art by cutting-edge newcomers and acclaimed artists working in all media and disciplines.

These featured artists will have an opportunity to market and network – aiding in the advancement of their careers, while infl uencing each other’s creativity. Along with presenting exceptional art, MAE will launch an exciting program for individuals, businesses, and institutions to sponsor artists. Through sponsorships, artists can obtain the necessary marketing materials, education, production space, and supplies – allowing them to freely pursue their creative impulses. WEL

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MINORITYARTEXHIBITIONMAE is a pioneering art exhibition dedicated to showcasing contemporary art by African American and Latin American artists, providing practical advice on art procurement, and encouraging minorities to invest in art. The exhibition will be a key source for art enthusiasts and collectors to fi nd and purchase exquisite, museum-quality artwork. It will feature an exclusive selection of art by cutting-edge newcomers and acclaimed artists working in all media and disciplines.

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MINORITYARTEXHIBITIONOver the past few years, American mainstream art galleries and auction houses have begun to appreciate African American and Latin American fi ne art. A number of galleries are either specializing in, or expanding their inventories by including such works. Distinguished auction houses, such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Swann Galleries, have recorded record sales, with the addition of African American and Latin American 20th century masterpieces to their inventory.

But mainstream was not always receptive to these types of art. Historically, the art world presumed the works were inherently rudimentary – a judgment solely based on the color of the artists’ skin. Although they were wrongly judged and undervalued, the minority community ventured to collect them. Collectors such as fi lmmaker Spike Lee, surgeon Dr. Walter Evans, NBA star Grant Hill, and art historian Dr. Barbara Duncan, have acquired hundreds of works – building valuable collections.

Today, African American and Latin American fi ne art has a strong presence in the art market. With the continuing growth in sales, coupled with the expanding number of avid collectors, these works will soon become a signifi cantly valued commodity.

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MINORITYEXHIBITION

Over the past few years, American mainstream art

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Black art has always existed. It just hasn’t been looked for in the right places. — Romare Bearden

Black art has always existed. It just hasn’t been

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For Inga, the perfecting of her art’s purpose is her purpose in creating sculptures and paintings. The mission she accepts is to bring people together through her works. Her style marries

the composition of nature with human aspirations. Inga’s works are conceptual pieces that harmonize movement and textural design.

This harmony entices viewers to not only look at but to be inducted into its space and its meaning. Inga’s paintings strive to speak for the unheard, to unwrap the beauty and power of the under-appreciated, so that as she states it, “[the] viewer’s heart may be encouraged.”

INGAMARIA

As a kid, growing up in Spanish Harlem with a talent for drawing, Oyola learned art on the streets. Always the doodler, by age 11 he was showing his works on the aluminum sides of New York subways. As mobile canvases traversing the world’s largest city, they brought his paintings to the public. The rationale for painting them was not to destroy or malign but to bring meaningful artistic statements into open view.

Oyola is solely a self-taught artist; although, he intently studied the strokes of masters like Dali,

Basquiat, Gaugin to name a few. And by his own account, his pieces “[reflect] the way I look at life situations and events.” He encourages viewers to look at his art with an open mind. This artist sees his works as catalysts to inspire others, as he himself achieves that which he was told was unachievable. Oyola’s repertoire now focuses on murals, portraits, window art, advertisements and signage.

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The provocative employment of shadow, light, and color that leads the viewer into envisioning him or herself within his paintings, is the mark of Keith Ramsey. Keith’s art is sculpted by the infl uences of his own experiences, his introspective thought, and even social politics

His works can be characterized by the geometric shapes, piercing highlights, and wandering fi gures that he constructs to evoke a perception of mystery. Keith’s media include canvas, wood panel, and paper. As a widely collected artist, he has enjoyed having his works exhibited extensively throughout Virginia , in both group and solo shows. Keith holds a degree in Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University.

KEITHRAMSEY

Self taught artist that started his life of art through graffi ti art and combining basic art skills learned from a various art classes. Born in Long Island,

New York and growing up in Richmond, Va, Oliver’s art refl ects an urban contemporary style. He quickly evolved into doing small scale abstracts using pens as a medium and then went on to use oil pastels, acrylic and oil paints.

Developing a style combining surrealism with an abstract feel, Khaldun strives to grab the attention of contemporary art lovers. His use of vibrant colors and intricate designs capture an international ethnic expression that leaves art lovers wanting more.

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Jason Ford is a different kind of artist - pouring art and fashion design into a contemporary, metro, hip-hop frame. For this artist a blank t-shirt is a canvas. Jason’s works combine bold, brilliant color with a brash,

New York City street-art style.

Often his works are commentaries on human celebrity. Via his company, Nosaj Authentics, he produces one-of-a-kind, hand-painted portrait, designer t-shirts. Primarily self-taught, this Richmond native earned a degree in Illustration from East Carolina University.

JASONFORD

As a child, James Clarke was recognized for his artistic gifts. As an artist coming of age during the civil rights storms of the 1950’s and 60’s, Clarke strove to bring center-stage the sufferings of a frustrated Black America.

Within the abstract expressionism of his art, his subjects widely exhibited both the humiliation of racism and the distress of poverty. Likewise, many of his works were influenced by the civil

injustices being experienced by Black Americans. Clarke himself became renowned for stylized figures. His works would have large eyes, distorted body limbs, and enlarged hands and feet. Oversized eyes were portals for viewing the souls of his subjects, while mis-shapened limbs symbolized the broken state of their spirits. Clarke also drew attention to his subjects’ search for a spiritual peace amid human calamity.

JAMES CLARKEIII

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Deck builder, drywall finisher, contractor, artist, structural designer, and sculptor are titles that identify Langston Tupponce. He labels his work as “art-chitecture”. Room walls, ceilings, and floor spaces are his literal canvases. Tupponce redefines space. He has created unique artistic impressions out of trim work and room fixtures. And he has transformed contained areas into artistic statements by adding his free-standing, custom archways and custom sculptures.

From hardwood, glass, plastic, or even STYROFOAMTM, Tupponce sculpts pieces that evolve the interior room into the interior sanctum. Through his company, Designers of the Rock, Tupponce has applied “art-chitecture” in homes throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Florida.

LANGSTON TUPPONCE

Mauricio Patarroyo attended the Visual Arts Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts in painting and printmaking from VCU.

Inspired by patterns, lines, expressions and non-verbal communication. Drawing is a way for Patarroyo to reach into his subconscious and create a personal utopia where he dissects forms, repeat patterns, and designs new images.

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MAEIN THE COMMUNITY

MAE has partnered with Freedom House in an effort to bring awareness to the needs of the homeless community in Richmond and the Tri-Cities areas. Freedom House serves the homeless by providing

stable housing and the necessary resources for them to overcome their circumstances.

MAE will offer an opportunity for patrons to support the services Freedom House provides through the “MAE Day for Freedom House —Silent Art Auction.” The original art piece for auction, created by Khaldun Oliver represents a puzzle unity between the community, Freedom House and the artists. To learn more about the Freedom House please visit www.freedomhouserichmond.org.

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ART INSTALLATION Kate Horne Fred Robinson

ART PRESERVATION Merrily Johnstone

GRAPHIC DESIGN Grafxguild

INTERN Rachel Hutchenson, VCU

MARKETING & PROMOTION Thearny Sim

MUSIC Paul Moses Alan Parker

VIDEOGRAPHER Alex Fuller

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Chris Powell

VOLUNTEERS Sarah Barrow JaQwan Baul Molly Bynum John Davidson Tanisha Finney Gloria Hughes Tanisha Givens Alease Mitchell Kai Mumford Justin Parrish Phea Ram Christopher Washington Sunday White

VOICE-OVER & EDITOR Orrie Crews

Clarke Art Consulting gratefully thanks our contributors and supporters.

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