Keith Walsh, “Black Liberation and Socialism in America” (2017), ink and flashe on paper, 24 x 18 in. (image courtesy gregorioescalante.com)
Numerous progressive and radical movements have had strong visual and aesthetic components, from early-20th-century revolutions in Russia and Mexico, to more recent activism surrounding #BlackLivesMatter and the current US administration. This is certainly true of the Black Panther Party, whose iconic logo, striking uniforms, and bold visuals reproduced in their popular newspaper were all inseparable from their message.
Emory Douglas, “Dare to Struggle” (2017), acrylic on canvas board, 20 x 30 in. (image courtesy gregorioescalante.com)
Iconic: Black Panther at the Gregorio Escalante Gallery features work by 50 artists who engage with the Panthers’ 50-year legacy, illustrating how influential they were, not just politically and socially, but artistically as well. Organized by Sepia Collective, a Los Angeles-based multicultural group of artists and curators, Iconic is a traveling exhibition (it was previously in Oakland, and will make stops in Chicago and New York), featuring mostly local artists from each host city, as well as work by original Black Panther Party members like Emory Douglas. Other participating artists include Lili Bernard, April Bey, Shepard Fairey, Dr. Samella Lewis, Lexx Valdez, and many more.
When: Opens Saturday, April 8, 7–10pm
Where: Gregorio Escalante Gallery (978 Chung King Road, Chinatown, Los Angeles)
More info here.
