The Alchemists: A Transformative Exhibition of Black Art

 

by Destiny Gray

 

In Atlanta, a thriving and distinctive art ecosystem is emerging, characterized by an impressive trajectory that intersects, parallels, and diverges from major circuits like New York and Los Angeles. The city's creative milieu is flourishing, yielding an abundance of compelling results across a diverse range of dynamic creative endeavors. The recent exhibition at the Johnson Lowe  Gallery, “The Alchemists,” serves as a testament to this burgeoning creative community.

Upon entering the Johnson Lowe Gallery, one is immediately met with Mark Bradford's powerful masterpiece, Playing Castles (2022). The immense canvas portrays a landscape devastated by some unknown force, viewed from a bird's eye perspective. Deeply etched scratches expose raw canvas while broken lines evoke crevices in the earth's surface. Amidst the desolation, a glimmer of hope shines through in the form of end papers—a traditional tool once used in black hair care. Vibrant yellow hues wash over the rugged terrain, symbolizing resilience and the potential for metamorphosis. This remarkable painting offers a tantalizing glimpse of the transformative power that permeates “The Alchemists” exhibition.

Under the leadership of Donovan Johnson, the Johnson Lowe Gallery has undergone a transformation by embracing a new level of vision and ambition while retaining its roots. The exhibition, co-curated by art critic Seph Rodney and Johnson, features work by twenty-eight black artists who explore the evolution of culture and identity. It provides a crucial platform for artists to explore and document Black material and ideological culture, making it a significant contribution to Atlanta's art scene and is a must-see destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the best of Atlanta's art scene and beyond.

“The Alchemists” exhibition title not only encapsulates the transformative essence of the showcased works but also references a long-standing tradition within Black art and culture. This tradition dates back to early African art, which was often created with found materials and imbued with spiritual meaning. The ability to take ordinary objects and elevate them to extraordinary heights has become a hallmark of Black visual artists and creatives, from the assemblages of Romare Bearden to the sampling techniques of hip-hop producers. “The Alchemists” exhibition continues this legacy with contemporary artists who utilize a wide range of materials and techniques to create works that are both visually striking and conceptually profound. These artists possess an unparalleled ability to take the raw materials of their lives and transmute them into compelling narratives and captivating art. Through the theme of ecstatic transformation, the exhibition celebrates the artist's mastery of metamorphosis and alchemy, showcasing how art can transcend the mundane and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

 

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Shanequa Gay, get that doe…, 2015. Flashe and acrylic on wood panel, 72 x48 inches. Image courtesy of Shanequa Gay and Johnson Lowe Gallery.

 

A standout feature of the exhibition is Shanequa Gay's captivating mural that expands on her 2015 work get that doe... The mural, which stretches across an entire wall, is a fusion of stenciled wallpaper and a large painting at the center. Gay skillfully employs her signature deer-human forms to create a mythical and folkloric atmosphere. In the painting's foreground, Black men and animals flee from a police car in the distance, adding a chilling commentary to the scene. Gay's artistry is evident as she embeds meaning and subtext in her wall covering that seamlessly morphs into the canvas, producing a thought-provoking and mesmerizing piece.

For those familiar with the Atlanta arts scene, William Downs needs no introduction. His untitled enigmatic and surrealistic collection of drawings, featured in the exhibition space adjacent to Gay's mural, has captivated audiences with its mystical and otherworldly figures that transcend the boundaries of human form. Downs' signature use of inky washes imbues his drawings and paintings with a dreamlike and ethereal quality, while his surrealistic free associations create a sense of transience that is both palpable and beautiful. His frequent depiction of figures with multiple heads and eyes has become a hallmark of his work, making him a beloved figure in the Atlanta arts community.

“The Alchemists” exhibition is a dynamic celebration of the profound and timeless impact of Black culture on the creative sphere. As a forum for investigating the cultural identity and heritage of Atlanta, the exhibition's curatorial choices encourage a re-evaluation of conventional perceptions of Blackness and a deep appreciation for the breadth of Black experiences. The exhibition's scale and scope are impressive, showcasing exceptional talents across generations and disciplines, while also providing a reflective space for critically examining the intersection of capitalist culture and race. In doing so, the exhibition boldly challenges the disturbing trend of commodifying and diluting Black culture into mainstream culture, demanding a reimagining of how we honor and value Black creativity and innovation.

 

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Tod Gray, Nike D.O. / Versailles, 2021. Three archival pigment prints in artist's frames, UV laminate, 65 7/8 × 81 3/8 × 5 1/2 inches. Photo: Johnson Lowe Gallery.

 

Within “The Alchemists” exhibition, Todd Gray's thought-provoking artwork "Nike D.O/Versailles" highlights the tension between Black culture and the forces of globalization and capitalism. By juxtaposing an African image with Western architecture, the work prompts reflection on the complexities of this relationship. However, within the art market, the commodification of Blackness carries unique significance. How can the art world support and honor Black artists without reducing their work to mere commodities? These are complex and pressing questions, and "The Alchemists" offers no easy answers. Nevertheless, by bringing together a diverse array of artists and showcasing the richness and complexity of Black experiences, the exhibition offers a powerful vision of what can be achieved when art is allowed to flourish on its own terms.

 

Destiny Gray is a writer and storyteller who has focused on education and curatorial practice in the arts. She is based in Atlanta Georgia and received a BA from Georgia State University.