Convergence of Vision: The Power of Art

I was directed to the Black Artists of DC (BADC ) when searching for an African American artists group with which to be involved. In joining the BADC, I found I had unknowingly become a part of a revolution of self validation and acknowledgement: A Black Artists Revolution in the 21st century.

The exhibit, Convergence of Vision: The Power of Art, represents a coming together of concepts, experiences, resources, skills, manpower and financial resources between the Prince George's Community College and the Perfect Plan of Greater Washington. This is the first exhibition sponsored by BADC for a public institution. This exhibit is a direct manifestation of our collective efforts, energy and power. BADC is evolving as a group. Its members are embarking on a path of claiming our rights to thrive and prosper as a community of artists and lovers of art. We are opening doors and windows of the communities that surround us. We are intent on opening eyes and minds.

The figurative and abstract works in the exhibition consist of painting, digital media, mixed media and sculpture. Through our art, we advocate, testify, inform and prophesize.

Mekbib Gerbertsadik paints an abstract representation of the tragedy that devastated New Orleans in his piece titled "Katrina." Liani Foster and Bruce McNeil, tackle the issues of abuse and mistreatment of the environment and its negative effects for the future of the earth.

Within the endless lines and the infinite possibilities of color, the artists Rosetta Deberardinis, Gina Lewis, Bill Harris, Monica Seaberry-Beasley, Alec Simpson, Greg Scott, Diedra Bell and Alanzo Robles-Gordon each interpret and celebrate the endless journey of abstraction. The photography of Yvette Mitchell, Barbara Blanco and Adrienne Mills crystallizes life's precious moments by documenting the look and feelings of disappointment, joy of friendships and the presence of intimacy and the power of a women's nude form.

Gloria Kirk, Francine Haskins and Gwendolyn Aqui intuitively spin stories of joy, dance and celebration past and present. Each layer adding depth, texture and dimension. Francine Haskins draws, paints, and sews digitally printed images on silk, ultimately creating a multi-layered quilt on canvas. Gwendolyn Aqui combines layers of acrylic paints, varied textured papers, stamped emblems. She then paints her figurative forms on top of the multi-layer canvas.

The exhibit is accented by the works of Miles Bumbray, Francis Washington, Joshua Isaac and John Earl Copper. The works of Audrey Brown, Annie Bouie, James Brown, R.W. Pointer, Juliette Madison and Daniel Brooking are presented as shrines, as used in traditional African cultures, to pay tribute to our ancestors and to our continuing cultural and artistic development. These shrines were arranged to represent a place of worship, a hallowed place to associate with the sacred. Spirituality is a commonly used theme by the members of BADC, most notably and specifically in this exhibition.

Artists Claudia Gibson Hunter, Akili Ron Anderson, Frank Smith, Michael Platt, Harlee Little and Viola Leak give us varied works that in their complexity constitute aesthetic and structural touchstones for both BADC and this exhibit.

Commercialism in the art world demands that artists strive for success through individuality and personal identity at all costs. We of BADC view this as an attitude ultimately counter productive to our creativity.

BADC's purpose is to promote, develop and validate the culture, artistic expression and aspirations of past and present artists of African American Ancestry. We are African seeds transplanted throughout the African Diaspora: African American, Afro-Latino, Afro-Native American and Caribbean-a collective of extended families. We conceive of our art as the key to our existence and the pathway to generational prosperity, spirituality and healing.

BADC understands that positive outcomes occur most readily when people know who they are, where they come from and, most importantly, who supports them, as they make their way in this world.


Amber Robles-Gordon, Curator


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