Curator, Ludlow Bailey is extremely pleased to present a body of work produced by artists of African Descent whose art at its core expresses a notion of euphoria that in some ways captures the magic and soul of black contemporary culture. The Oxford definition of the word Euphoria signifies a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness.
Despite the horrific black experience of slavery, colonization and racism over the last 400 years, global black culture exudes a level of resilience and joy that is unmatched on the world stage. Black folks bring the party. Black culture is rhythmic, alchemic, and mystical. Black dance, fashion, music, film, and visual arts exemplify a level of euphoric energy that is full of life and a profound level of excitement and happiness. The popularity of salsa, reggae, hip hop and Afro beats in today’s world is a perfect example of the kind of excitement that is produced by contemporary black culture in general.
Black music has become the soundtrack of the world. The concept of the show is very much aligned with Mr. Bailey’s curatorial practice. Ludlow is extremely passionate about global African diaspora culture as it relates to the metaphysical and spiritual infrastructure of blackness. Black Euphoria is bold and sometimes disruptive. Black Euphoria is radical and at times represents a form resistance against black marginalization, oppression, and racism. The idea of Black Euphoria is somewhat counterintuitive given the enormous amount of suffering that black people have endured in the Modern era.
In the visual arts world, contemporary black art has changed the dynamics of how aesthetics is evaluated. It is the fair to say that Jean Michel Basquiat (America’s most valued artist) disrupted the art industry with his innovative urban expressionism. Contemporary African Diaspora Art is also the fastest growing sector of the contemporary art market. This exhibition will present works that speak to a broad interpretation of Black Euphoria.
Despite the horrific black experience of slavery, colonization and racism over the last 400 years, global black culture exudes a level of resilience and joy that is unmatched on the world stage. Black folks bring the party. Black culture is rhythmic, alchemic, and mystical. Black dance, fashion, music, film, and visual arts exemplify a level of euphoric energy that is full of life and a profound level of excitement and happiness. The popularity of salsa, reggae, hip hop and Afro beats in today’s world is a perfect example of the kind of excitement that is produced by contemporary black culture in general.
Black music has become the soundtrack of the world. The concept of the show is very much aligned with Mr. Bailey’s curatorial practice. Ludlow is extremely passionate about global African diaspora culture as it relates to the metaphysical and spiritual infrastructure of blackness. Black Euphoria is bold and sometimes disruptive. Black Euphoria is radical and at times represents a form resistance against black marginalization, oppression, and racism. The idea of Black Euphoria is somewhat counterintuitive given the enormous amount of suffering that black people have endured in the Modern era.
In the visual arts world, contemporary black art has changed the dynamics of how aesthetics is evaluated. It is the fair to say that Jean Michel Basquiat (America’s most valued artist) disrupted the art industry with his innovative urban expressionism. Contemporary African Diaspora Art is also the fastest growing sector of the contemporary art market. This exhibition will present works that speak to a broad interpretation of Black Euphoria.
