A live jazz performance serenades a crowd as visitors are in awe by colorful art everywhere. The exciting fusion of paintings, sculptures, photography as well as mixed media pieces highlight the history and journey of Blackness. Harlem Fine Arts Show’s three-day event took place Friday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, Feb. 25. Founded by Dion Clarke, the display of Black art, artists and galleries, referred to its sixteenth year as, “Sweet Sixteen.”
Clarke assured that the culture of Harlem is still embedded in the art show, no matter the location. “I’m excited, we’re at the Glasshouse again this year,” said Clarke. “This is the second year out of Harlem, but we never leave Harlem.” The art show was impressed with today’s talent, entailing those from various cities and countries. Over 80 artists and 10 galleries, the most ever, were showcased. According to Clarke, the show sold about half a million dollars of art this year.
The show’s theme was buying Black art and empowering artists. Clarke fondly encouraged visitors to buy works which resonated with them and made them happy. Additionally, artists had their dreams of selling their art in NYC come true, including Justin Ellis, 34, who had his artwork showcased in Manhattan.
“It’s been a remarkable dream of mine because I always used to ask my mom, ‘can I please go to New York?’” said Ellis. Being from Charlotte, NC, unfortunately, Ellis’s mother didn’t have the necessary resources to assist with his aspirations. He decided to pursue them himself. “It’s been a blessing just to see how artistry has been [at] the forefront of my life now.” Ellis sold 15 of his pieces at the Harlem Fine Arts Show during the three-day weekend. His first purchased piece, “Pop Quiz,” uses a projector instead of a canvas to creatively compose. His art further shows representations of layering and stacking colors, while mixing different mediums to “create the most obscure abstract compositions.”
Brenika Banks photos
Ellis described his participation in the art show as “remarkable,” pleasantly surprised to behold his art on a wall behind the main stage. This made Ellis’s work more viewable to everyone who attended. He also called Clarke a “blessing.” “I was very, very blown away,” said Ellis. “For this to be my very first showcase and for [Dion Clarke] to bless me like that, it meant the world to me.”
La’Jasha Champion is another one of the show’s dreamers actively creating her own world. The multidisciplinary artist believes in the power of creating and said that she’s “living out my little girl dreams by doing whatever I please.” After a classmate’s suggestion and some research, Champion discovered new media art. It encompasses everything from traditional art-making methods to digital. This major, pursued at the University of North Texas, led her to formulating various styles.
“Receiving that opportunity to dive into those multiple disciplines helped me to shape my work,” said Champion. She strategically learned a range of skills to resonate with a variety of clients. She relishes staying outside the box and loves making custom costumes. “I don’t limit myself to just one discipline.” She refuses to restrict herself to only paintings. Her dreams are to produce clothing, photography, and videography as well.
The dreams of a person may also unlock beyond retirement. A show from abstract painter Ed Clark, “lit a fire” in painter David Dixon. “It really inspired me, like, I got to pick up my brushes again,” said Dixon. His works displayed at the Harlem Fine Arts Show were the result of that inspiration. Dixon didn’t allow being in his 60s to make him believe he was too “old” to pursue painting professionally. Now at 68, he said his favorite part of being an artist is the meditative aspect. “It comes through me and that is my favorite part.” He also incorporates photography in his abstract work within pictures digitally.
Brenika Banks photos
Dixon’s artwork led to his great relationship with Clarke. “Dion works very hard to make this a success; I appreciate that.” He was delighted sharing thoughts on his art with those who stepped into his booth. A buyer from last year returned to tell Dixon how much she still loves her purchased piece. “That feels good,” said Dixon. He described being around other artists as awesome, stimulating and humbling.
Another modest artist, Champion, wisely saw her fellow artists as inspiration, not competition. “What I’ve enjoyed the most this year and last year was being able to witness the beautiful works from the diverse Black artists who are here today,” said Champion. “Everyone has their own unique flair [and] aesthetic.”
She enjoys wearing sparkly outfits or anything artistic. As a lover of fashion, she said dressing up is therapeutic and applauded the positive effects of paintings with color. Harlem Fine Arts Show celebrated 10 years of saluting African Americans in medicine. “This is a great way to show the heart of healing and how art and the healing elements really put everything together and make it so important in our lives.” The show commemorated 15 honorees from the tri-state area.
“We’re always looking for partners in the African American community,” said Clarke. “That partner can be a sponsor, a social organization; something that helps us get better in the community.” Clarke predicts the show will continue bringing in economic and cultural power. For more info, please visit https://www.hfas.org.