At first glance, a full moon reflecting in the middle of the ocean seems normal. However, after a deeper look, one will notice eyes in the water and a ship in the far distance. Suddenly, this painting tells a story beyond a full moon, eyes, and ocean. This work creates a visualization of the uncomfortable and unsettling parts of history desperately forgotten. Artist Serron Green aims to remind the world of this uncommon knowledge.
“If the eyes are facing forward, you can picture yourself as one of those people and you’re looking at them as they’re looking at you,” said Green. The purpose of his “DEATH BETTA THAN BONDAGE, 2024” is to impel viewers to experience the emotions of those in the water. The Newark, N.J.-raised, self-taught artist referred to his painting as a nuanced Black history. “You hear about slaves, but it’s very rare that you hear about the ones that didn’t get here,” said Green.
His work, depicting the enslaved Africans’ perspective, drew many people to the recent “Black History Month Admiration” (styled ad•mi•ra•tion) opening event at the Tanya Weddemire Gallery. “I’m happy about people gravitating to what I’ve done and the reason behind it,” he said. He was also thrilled to see how many attendees were at the opening.
“I was a little caught off guard by the amount of folks here,” said Green. “I’m happy to see so many faces that look like mine.”
Brenika Banks photos
The opening reception took place on Thursday, Feb. 1, held in Industry City, Brooklyn, and brought out over 200 attendees to support celebrating Black art. Tanya Weddemire, the Jamaican-born gallery owner, curator, and art dealer, was pleasantly surprised with the turnout.
“It feels really good, especially to launch the new space on February 1, Black History Month, 2024, showcasing nine phenomenal artists,” said Weddemire. Her artist selections aren’t based on who’s emerging or established; rather, she seeks specific energy and flow when selecting those to showcase. “I look at the work as a whole and see where it needs to go based on storytelling and how the guest is going to engage based on their first walk in, to the point of them leaving,” she said. She understands which works complement each other and which are better on opposite sides of the gallery space. “I look at how we’re going to tell the story with the artwork by pairing which work goes well with each other.”
One artist who admires Weddemire’s style is Guy Stanley Philoche. The Haitian-born modern artist said he and Weddemire share similar visions when it comes to art. “It’s really good to have someone who looks like me [who shares the narrative] about my work.”
Philoche was also excited seeing the gallery full of supporters and art lovers. “First day of Black History Month, I see lots of beautiful Black people out here celebrating, enjoying; I like celebrating us.”
Black History Month at the Tanya Weddemire Gallery included celebrating the Black lens of beauty beyond what society deems beautiful. Self-taught illustrator and wood artist Candice Tavares creates art saluting Black beauty, love, and culture. Her designs highlight the history and diversity of it all, without negative narratives. “I really want to explore Black beauty across generational lines,” she said.
Tavares, from near Philadelphia, finds the beauty of African descendants in wood. Her imagination turned African mahogany, satin wood, and macadamia nuts into “ADORNED, 2024.”
This mixed media connected with Sheraine Gilliam instantly. “When I walk into the gallery and see this image, it’s like, ‘it is me!’” said Gilliam. “It is this time in my life, and I feel free.” She is happy seeing more Black women wearing their natural hair. The new art collector was thrilled to purchase this work as an example for her six-year-old daughter.
Black representation makes a huge difference for the community. Gilliam spoke of being privileged to connect with Tavares’s piece, especially because she hadn’t intended to purchase anything. Gilliam was also thrilled to meet Tavares and speak with her. “I told her, ‘I’m so proud of you, I want to support you; I’m going to buy it,’” said Gilliam.
Gilliam is proud of Weddemire and thanked her for providing a space encouraging people to buy art who normally don’t. “It’s good to see a Black woman so dedicated and focused on cultivating our culture through art—that makes me proud. I’m always going to support that,” said Gilliam.
Another supporter in awe of the gallery opening was artist Neil Anthony Edwards. The New York-based artist, who uses canvas, oil, acrylic, and interior paint, was fascinated by how well the opening event went. “Everybody here is different,” he said. “[Tanya] pays very close attention to details; everything is put together very well.”
Edwards’s oil on canvas, “The Once and Future City,” was inspired by last June’s five-day smog event in the city, as Edwards recalled. “It reminded me of a dystopian society,” said Edwards. “My theory was, what if the sky never came back to its original color?” He mentioned dystopian movies like “Blade Runner” that highlight the sky’s absence. “I think it’s very important that we appreciate the sun and blue sky while we have it.”
Edwards wants his art to be thought-provoking to viewers yet work well with décor in homes.
During her closing thank-you speech, Weddemire expressed her gratitude to all. “I thank the nine artists who decided to put their work up and gave it to me to put on display. You guys know that every single time you give me work, I’m going to take care of it as if it’s my baby.”
“Black History Month ad•mi•ra•tion” is on display until March 9. For information, visit www.tanyaweddemiregallery.org.