Qiaira Riley

"An Invasion", Chicago, Woman figure, social change, Acrylic on Wood

2019

"Come Out and Play" is an original piece by Qiaira Riley made from acrylic paint on found wood. This piece measures measures 24"h x 14"w unframed. "Inspired by the changing visual landscape of my hometown of Chicago, I created these works to explore how the gentrification of the south-side disrupts intimate, private memories associated with public spaces in the name of urban "renewal," even creating commodifiable opportunities to make community memories public and profitable, yet not sacred. I was attending a suburban private liberal arts college; many classmates often seemed obsessed with fantastical, cheap narratives about my community and the folks in it that deeply contrasted the memories of love and care I had grown up with. These works remember and reclaim these spaces while showing off my favorite public treasures, sights, and delicacies. There are also odes to the sweet parts of my adolescence that I hope urban development will not shift: running around the city with my father, who has worked for the Chicago Park District for over 25 years, my mom getting me a 6 piece from Harold's Chicken whenever I got a good report card, or stopping by Zberry, the city's first black-woman owned froyo shop to get a treat after school. I moved to Philadelphia that same year with just two suitcases, my art supplies storage...

"Eyed Wide" is an original artwork by Akira Gordon made from acrylic and oil on wood panel. This piece is a diptych and measures measures 48"h x 46"w complete. Akira hopes to give black people images that they can relate to in some way without making an overt political statement; instead, showing figures in leisure, doing the mundane and the ordinary. She finds the most authentic way to do this is through self-portraiture and referencing her experiences. She uses herself as a reference for her paintings because she believes examining your own life is important. Her artworks delve into the complex emotions associated with her struggle to transition into adulthood while clinging to the familiarity of "childish" things. It's an introspective journey, an attempt to reconcile the inevitability of growing up with the desire to preserve the youthful spirit that continues to reside within her. Akira Gordon, a Philadelphia-born painter and recent graduate of the University of the Arts, is a captivating artist driven by a passion for contemporary art and self-portraiture. Inspired by Kerry James Marshall and Sasha...

"Something Changed" is an original piece by Branche Coverdale from his "Slice of Life" series. He hand-crafts the specific panel shape to his city vignettes. This piece measures 24"h...

This piece titled "Fuzzy Slippers" is an original piece by Branche Coverdale and is made from acrylic gouache on wood panel. This piece measures 36"h...

In such a world, so chaotic. Snares and spells revolving. Finding one’s peace can be very demanding. Living life, very. Man cannot live without a pacifier, one that helps him recove...

Joseph Idowu’s Persistence Of Expectations is a striking original acrylic on canvas measuring 60 x 48 x 1.50 inches (152.40 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm). Born in Nigeria, Idowu explores theme...

The beauty of Africa lies in the faces of its people, a beauty that reveals itself to those who take the time to truly see. Through this artwork, I aim to showcase the rich and diver...

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Samson Olatubos...