Behind the Masks

sometimes the mask

must be removed

to restore one’s own

perception of self

— Words by EP, 2022

It’s interesting the way art works. We arrive at a gallery and observe a canvas on a wall or a sculpture in the foyer—either passively or critically. We come to understand and interact with art in a subjective manner, sometimes not knowing how powerful some pieces are even in their most simplistic, rawest form.

This year, I had the pleasure of attending the closing reception for Chicago’s own Vic Mensa’s SKIN + MASKS at the iconic Kavi Gupta Gallery.

I arrived at the event with no prior agenda or expectations in mind. Being the curious art lover that I am, I studied the space upon entry. It was super minimal in nature. The event was intimate, the staff and attendees were gracious, and the art that was featured was exceptional.

The exhibit was inspired by French West Indian psychiatrist and philosopher Frantz Fanon’s book Black Skin, White Masks exploring the sociopolitical themes of race, colonialism, and self-actualization.

“Negrophobes exist. It is not hatred of the Negro, however, that motivates them; they lack the courage for that, or they have lost it. Hate is not inborn; it has to be constantly cultivated, to be brought into being, in conflict with more or less recognized guilt complexes. ”

Franz Fanon, Black Skin, White Mask

For Mensa's curatorial debut, the musician and Chicago native crafted a meaningful exhibit to showcase Black artists; depoliticizing Black art as a whole and the fixation on what is deemed 'acceptable' within the arts industry.

Each art piece was thoughtfully and intentionally placed between the two-story gallery space in a way I hadn’t experienced before. It told a story of creative freedom, anger, vulnerability, radicalism, and more. With quotes from Fanon placed on the walls beside each piece, the words Fanon wrote tied in so seamlessly with the art pieces on display.

It showcased the Black experience in such a beautiful, holistic way. The pictures in this article could never do it all justice.

Black art, creativity, and thoughtful critique has been undermined for years. Any time there's an opposing view amongst the agreeable norm, it is often disregarded. Using art as a form of protest is risky business, in the eyes of the traditional art world and society at-large. With this in mind, as a Black woman and creative, navigating the art space both in real life and online can be challenging. Much like the artists featured here, my art is influenced by the world around me, and the work I produce is often universal, but places heavy emphasis on uncovering the challenges, history, and opportunities within the Black community and the Diaspora.

Through Skin + Masks, Vic Mensa and Kavi Gupta respectively have defied these barriers within the art world overall, which gave me a fresh perspective on my own art. I've been to many galleries and art shows this year alone, but this has to be one of the most impactful exhibits I've seen in years. The exhibition really reinspired my love and passion for art, community, and telling stories surrounding Black life and the Diaspora. I'm a huge proponent of authentic storytelling and very profound depictions of Black life, exploring themes and ideas that have often been brushed under the rug.

Black art moves the globe, period. I'm extremely thankful to have been able to witness this in real-time.

Click here to learn more about the artists and the exhibit overall.

The show officially closed on September 3 at Kavi Gupta Gallery. Works from the featured artists are now on view at the Magnificent Mile Association in Chicago, Illinois.

--

I am a creative multi-hyphenate with a strong passion for the arts. To check out more of my journey and the different art exhibits and events I go to in real-time, follow me on Instagram at @erparrish_

If you would like to read more of my poetry and prose, as well as see some of my visual photography all in one place follow me on Instagram at @wordsbyep_