Jul 28, 2022
Black artists and their work have long been marginalized as untrained, uneducated, and lesser than their White counterparts. The terms “Black art” and “Black artists” by definition prove this marginalization. The artist is seen as Black first, and then through a less than approving lens, their work is viewed in its own little box, unworthy of comparison to the likes of a Rembrandt, a Van Gogh, a Picasso, or a Warhol. They aren’t seen as impressionists, abstractists, sculptors, cubists, expressionists, or realists. They are merely Black artists that make Black art that only Black people could understand and appreciate.
Ukwensi Chappel sees art as art. In 2018, Ukwensi Chappell
opened Gallerie Ukwensi, located in the Ghent District of Norfolk.
Ukwensi opened Gallerie Ukwensi to do what other gallery’s
wouldn’t: expose and educate people to the beauty of art crafted by
Black artists. A tour through his gallery reveals something deeper,
something powerful and beautiful, rooted in centuries of
exclusion.
Ukwensi takes the time to greet every customer, young or old,
Black, White or purple, rich or poor. He doesn’t just greet people;
he engages with them.
When asked why he knows so much about not only a particular
piece, but the artists themselves, he says “Most galleries in the
area didn’t greet me when I came in, and if they did, they didn’t
tell me about the art. But every piece has a story, and every story
was an experience by the artist.”
Ukwensi’s art, rich abstracts made of layers of crushed glass
and pigments suspended in clear enamel that form 3-dimensional
kaleidoscopes, line the main wall. He calls his work “My windows to
your imagination.” No matter what you think you see in his work,
its correct.
To learn more about Gallerie Ukwensi at Ghents, please follow
them on Facebook and Instagram by putting Gallerie Ukwensi at
Ghents in your search box. You may also visit their website
at www.gallerie-ukwensi.com
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You may also contact Odell Cleveland directly at 336-895-8995