During this hour-long panel discussion organized by Akron artist Kwamé Gomez and moderated by Architect in Residence at KSU and practicing artist, Diane Davis-Sikora, you will hear directly from emerging artists (Alexandria Couch, Benjamin Gale-Platt, Double R., Blessing Greer, and Zeinab Diomande) as they discuss the meaning of being young and Black in the current climate of contemporary art.
“This discussion will explore an introspective view concerning the future of visual contemporary art and where we, as young Black visual artists, see ourselves in it — changing with or against it. Giving space for a conversation that serves as a fundamental ground to discuss the endless possibilities based in our knowledge of the present and past histories concerning art, Blackness, and innovation. What is in store for us when we, Black artists, stand in contemporary art now and years down the line, hoping to inspire and empower a new generation of artists to create and imagine a world beyond western visual expectations of art, breaking and appropriating the ideas of materiality, narrative and taste.” – Kwamé Gomez
Listen or actively participate during the panel discussion on Zoom, where we’ll be taking live questions through the chat box.
Panelists: Kwamé Gomez, The University of Akron Myers School of Art, Akron, OH; Benjamin Gale-Platt, Pratt, NYC, NY; Blessing Greer, Independent Artist, Art Collective, CA; Double R., Oakland, San Francisco, CA; Alexandria Couch, Myers School of Art at The University of Akron, OH; Zainab Diomande, Philadelphia, PA
Moderator: Diane Davis-Sikora, Resident Architect, College of Architecture & Environmental Design – Kent State University
Registration for this FREE event now open – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/137494069463
PRESENTED BY: Curated Storefront

Curated Storefront brings compelling art to diverse audiences through a dynamic program of installations, events, and exhibits that activate underutilized buildings and spaces in Akron, and provides artists with opportunities to expand their practices. More information about Curated Storefront and its other exhibits on display throughout the city can be found at www.curatedstorefront.org.