“An Extraordinary Group of African-American Artists Are Restoring The Culture”

In 2015, a unique group of artists casually came together to discuss the Indianapolis art scene and how they could become a beacon of hope and inspiration for other artists. Each artist brought a different perspective to the discussion, especially one topic in particular, the fact that everyone wants to receive the proper exposure for their artwork! All artists are inspired by something or someone and in turn the artwork that is created embodies their individual talent.

The question is… Do African-American artists/creatives get the proper exposure they respectfully deserve?  Do African American artists/creatives have the obtainable resources to take their talent to the next level? Is it really who you know to get your foot in the door?  Every artist creates for the love of art, but becoming an “established” artist is an entirely different subject.  Fortunately, these young and talented artists came together to form the organization “WE ARE”.

“WE ARE” is an organization that focuses on building a strong presence in the Indianapolis community and beyond by aspiring collectively to progress through culturally, spirited expressions.  The organization “WE ARE” consists of visual artists Tony Radford, Bruce Armstrong, LaToya Marlin, Gary Gee, Omar Rashan, Stephen & Sharian Barnes, Courtney “Deva” Porter, Rebecca Robinson, Saundra Jo Holiday (Mijiza) and Reverend Winterborne Harrison-Jones.

This June, “WE ARE” will be featured at “First Friday” Indiana Landmarks Center Rapp Family Gallery for their group show titled WE ARE 2.0 “Restoring The Culture Exhibit”.  This group art exhibition is a major accomplishment for “WE ARE” and they intend to leave a lasting impression on those who have the opportunity to view their artwork at one of Indiana’s most reputable venues. In addition to paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media pieces, the show will include a group installation piece titled “Black Hollywood (the Good, the Bad and the Ugly)”.

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION “Black Hollywood” The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – Inspired by the ever-relevant lyrics of iconic bluesologist Gil Scott-Heron’s 1982 socio-political anthem “B-Movie” – this exhibit expresses the sojourn of the African American presence throughout American cinematographic history. Using chairs as their canvas, Indianapolis artists Tony Radford, Bruce Armstrong, Omar Rashan, Latoya Marlin, Courtney “Deva” Porter, Gary Gee, Stephen & Sherian Barnes, Rebecca Robinson, Winterbourne Harrison-Jones and Saundra Jo Holiday (Mijiza). Each take their turn conveying a chapter in this unfolding tale of race, stereotypes, and the quest for somebodiness as told on the big screen. Each of these pieces both celebrate and give voice to the brutal truth of this often untold and ignored saga. “Black Hollywood” is protest, history and art all wrapped into one – for overtimes fantasy is reality, and this places us in a situation that we can only look at like a “B” movie. -Winterbourne Harrison-Jones

”Our mission involves “Initiating groundbreaking evolution within our culture through various forms of artistic expression while uplifting and empowering new creative generations.” -Tony Radford stated. Tony Radford, who originally brought the group together to form the “WE ARE” organization was recently awarded the 2017 Indiana Business Magazine’s Golden Laurel Award. This award honors minority professionals in Indianapolis who have excelled in the fields of fashion, arts or beauty.

“WE ARE” wants to encourage all artists to keep creating and making a way for their talents to have a voice. With the proper support, network and resources, African-American artists will have an opportunity to have the exposure their artwork deserves! “WE ARE”… creative, outspoken, passionate, gifted, committed and making our presence known through visual arts!