This is RAELIS VASQUEZ (@Raelis): (detail) EL BESO (THE KISS), oil on canvas, 24x36, 2020 is inspired by Gustav Klimt’s THE KISS, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 70.86 x 70.86, 1907-08. I explore the convoluted histories of the Dominican Republic in relation to the United States and continue the lineage of imagery as protest that has been evident in the Latinx and African diaspora through the sheer representation of bodies. . To be represented means that the subject is worthy of representation and that the subject exists as an essential element of societal life. My works function as platforms for engaging in conversations coalescing personal and political themes regarding my experience as an Afro-Latino artist in the United States. I am depicting people of color, often my family, in a Western style of representation, which allows me to create a bridge that more accurately depicts the complexities of the narratives that we have as Black and Brown people. In Klimt's work, THE KISS, I see a kindred spirit in that the artist wants to provide one of the great universal symbols of hope during turbulent times, the kiss.
. MASTERPIECE - The Inaugural Show is the first exhibition in a new, annual series curated by Melvin A. Marshall (@ArtCultureNow). This show features 18 bold, unapologetic & uncompromising artists… The gallery is open BY APPOINTMENT ONLY in compliance with our ever-changing city rules due to Covid-19. . Catalogue requests or other info: [email protected]. . #BryanLeeTilford #CalvinClausellJr. #ChelleBarbour #DeShawnDumas #EilenItzelMena #JTLiss #LaniseHoward #LyndonBarrois #MonicaIkegwu #MusaHixson #OluSeye #PamelaSmithHudson #PatrickHenryJohnson #RaelisVasquez #RickyDay #SharonLouiseBarnes #TalitaLong #VictoriaCassinova - @Artsy @LATimes @DopeBlackArt @BlackArtinAmerican_ @ArtForum #ModernArt #BlackAmericanArt #JamesBaldwin #NinaSimone #BlackAtlantic #BlackLivesMatter @BlackArtistSpace @SupportBlackArt @WeBuyBlack @Black.Owned.Everything #MetaLanguage #Legacy #TransRights #JetSetForArt @BandofVices Curated by #MelvinMarshall @TerrellTilford. (at Band of Vices) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrn9JvFn4b/?igshid=zammpp7t484l