IMAGES (of US by US)

IMAGES “of US by US” is symbolic of the large number artists showcasing a wide range of creative influences exploring the vast African-American experience, sharing and connecting with their viewers. The portrayal of these works aspire to speak to you while generally focusing on depicting a creative legacy. 

The richness of this artwork transcends any attempt to be stereotyped.  Artists today have broken away from the mainstream and create various aesthetic styles beyond that of traditional artwork.  The result is that a diversity of creative styles are being blended along with traditional views. They are being used to interpret both their cultural experiences and their own identities, from realism to abstract expressing themselves creatively. The variety of the artworks they are producing is more often not celebrated. These presentation of styles are only limited by the exhibiting space made available to them. 

The (WNY-UAC) Urban Arts Collective is grateful to the Burchfield-Penney for this opportunity and presenting this diverse body of artworks. 

John Baker curator

Featured Artists:  James Cooper III, Renee Brown, Betty Pitts Foster, Iris Kirkwood, Kerima Collier, Mark Gaston Pearce, Phyllis I. Thompson, Kobie Barber & Niaja Boles (Student artist)

WNY-UAC mission statement: Organized in 2017 to create a platform to address the need to recognize, develop, educate, support and promote the professional development for visual artists.  The underserved talented visual artists of color united together in order to establish a network into their community and the world of art.  Members share a vision of expanded cultural awareness, respect and equal opportunities for their creative talents.

WNY-UAC does not discriminate and welcomes diverse community participation in its membership and activities.

Please contact wny_urbanartscollective@gmail.com with any inquiries.