"Speak to Me" Black History Month Exhibition at Cafe Melo Art Gallery Harlem
Cafe Melo Gallery located in Harlem USA presents “Speak to Me” a Black History Month Art Exhibit that calls the global community to see, hear and speak to black people. The exhibition will features five emerging New York based artist; Jaleel Campbell, Chanti “Catalyst” Louison, Robert Newman lll, Sophisticatedcookie, and Will Porter Jr. The selected works are provocative catalyst for conversation, depicting present day American culture while considered how far Black people have journeyed within American society. The artists offer commentary on sexual identity, police violence, family, love, the concept of beauty and the desire for understanding.
Speak To Me will be on exhibit at Cafe Melo Gallery, 345 Lenox Ave, New York, NY from February 9 - March 19, 2023. An opening Reception will be held from 6:00pm to 8:30pm on Thursday, February 9, 2023. .
Featured Artist:
Jaleel Campbell is a New York based artist whose work ranges from illustration, curating, directing, performing and the latest, Doll making. Jaleel attained his BFA in Visual Communications with a specialization in Graphic Design from Cazenovia College and his MFA in Media Arts & Culture from SUNY Purchase. His passion for creating knows no bounds. It is through these acts that community building comes to the forefront. That is jaleel's mission and what drives him the most. Whether it be through illustration work that showcases the often underrepresented, video work that captures the beauty and essence of black life and culture, or handmade dolls that aim to honor and acknowledge African traditions, there is no limit to his creativity and he will continue creating work that reminds black people of their worth; even when the world becomes too heavy.
Chanti "Catalyst" Louison - The work of "Catalyst" evokes the Dreamers and the Activist. She a multi-disciplinary artist that specializes in Duality using UltraViolet paints and Glow-in-the-dark Art. Her art style is a fusion between Afro-futurism, and Neo-expressionism. The artist is inspired by Street Art, Tribalism, Nature, Spirituality and the Human Psyche, together they become a melting pot of colour that shifts the world
Sophisticatedcookie (Taeesha M.)- Is a self-taught artist, her work is just as detailed and diverse as her artistic expression. She explores mediums that are personally interesting . Her expression is a form of conversation that will require an expansion of one's horizons, creating a depth within the viewer that can be explored daily.
Will Porter Jr.
Will Porter has always been, an agitator by nature! Through portraiture & agitprop (agitation & propaganda) He creates artwork that serves as talking points for much larger conversations, i.e (insecurities, religion, colonialism, police brutality, & capitalism to name a few.) He holds the belief that a foundational problem that artwork solves is one of record-keeping of an agreed upon standard in any period of time. A fear that the essence of a people and their truths and their nuance and their imagination somehow being forgotten from generation to generation creates the need to keep record. His values lie in making sure that the story of the oppressed and silenced is on record and LOUD for all to see.
The opening reception will feature a brief artists talk , introducing the participating artists and their work on exhibit.
Curated by Ulysses S. Williams for Access Black Art