Diasporagasm

Diasporagasm at Studio 347
sponsored by LA Department of Cultural Affairs
curated by Beyoncenista (aka April Bey)

South Bay Contemporary Gallery in conjunction with Michael Stearns Studio 347 presents a co-located multi-media exhibition Diasporgasm. Diasporagasm is curated by Beyoncenista – artist April Bey’s alter ego – and acts as a performance bringing together melanated artists working in Los Angeles, Haiti, Ghana, the Caribbean and West Africa.

Drawing from the groundbreaking film Moonlight—a timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, the curator appropriates, amends and recontextualizes the juxtaposition of art race and gender. The works in this exhibition will be from 15 artists who identify as black, but the work itself will not be “black art”. Rather conversations about what it means through individualism to be black, geographic differentiations in culture and how all the baggage carried comes through in work and artist’s work. Diaspora here translates to experiences and the authority that comes with those experiences. While the artists represented identify themselves as black—their walks vary drastically forcing relatability amongst this fictitious construction we call race.

The opening reception at SBC SoLA Gallery will be held on October 14 and the exhibit will run until November 18.