Where Black Creativity Meets Contemporary Expression


Gagosian gallery unveils a new exhibition in Los Angeles set to challenge our perceptions of abstract expression: “Social Abstraction;” a two-part exhibition curated by the visionary Antwaun Sargent. This avant-garde show is expected to be a tour de force of non-representational form and social consciousness in a way that’s both provocative and deeply relevant.

Unveiling a New Artistic Lexicon

Opening its doors on July 18 in Beverly Hills, “Social Abstraction” brings together an intergenerational ensemble of Black artists exploring new dialogues of abstract art. It’s a bold, unapologetic exploration of form, color, and texture that speaks volumes about the Black experience in America and beyond.

Rick Lowe
Cavafy Remains, 2024
Acrylic on canvas
144 x 336 inches (365.8 x 853.4 cm)
© Rick Lowe Studio
Photo: Thomas Dubrock
Courtesy of the artist and Gagosian

From Canvases to Constellations: The Artists Redefining Abstraction

The exhibition features Rick Lowe’s monumental “Cavafy Remains” – stretches an impressive 28 feet, weaving urban landscapes and cultural references into vivid hues and intersecting lines. It demands attention and contemplation.

Cy Gavin
Untitled (A meteor), 2024
Acrylic, vinyl and oil on wood panel
48 x 48 inches (121.9 x 121.9 cm)
© Cy Gavin
Photo: Owen Conway
Courtesy of the artist and Gagosian

Cy Gavin takes us on a celestial journey with his ethereal paintings that capture the mystery and majesty of the night sky. His work “Untitled (Stars, reflected)” is a mesmerizing dance of light and darkness that will have viewers lost in its depths.

Lauren Halsey
Untitled, 2024
Synthetic hair on wood
120 x 56 x 8 inches (304.8 x 142.2 x 20.3 cm)
© Lauren Halsey
Photo: Allen Chen
Courtesy of the artist and Gagosian
Allana Clarke
Witness Me, 2024
30 Sec. hair bonding glue (Rubber latex and black carbon dye)
69 x 43 x 27 inches (175.3 x 109.2 x 68.6 cm)
© Allana Clarke
Photo: Tim Johnson
Courtesy of the artist and Gagosian

Materials as Message: Unconventional Mediums Take Center Stage

What sets “Social Abstraction” apart is its fearless embrace of unconventional materials. Lauren Halsey’s untitled relief work featuring cascading synthetic hair is a powerful statement on identity and self-expression. Meanwhile, Allana Clarke’s “Witness Me” sculpted from hair bonding glue challenges our notions of beauty and Blackness with its amorphous, textured form.

AMANDA WILLIAMS
CandyLadyBlack (This Stuff Is Starting Now), 2023
Oil, mixed media on wood panel
60 x 60 inches (152.4 x 152.4 cm)
Devin B. Johnson
Congealed & Stuck, 2024
Oil on linen
24 x 30 inches (61 x 76.2 cm)
© Devin B. Johnson
Photo: Owen Conway
Courtesy of the artist, Nicodim Gallery, and Gagosian

The Art of Memory and Nostalgia

Devin B. Johnson and Amanda Williams dive into the realms of memory and nostalgia with their works. Williams’ “CandyLadyBlack (This Stuff Is Starting Now)” is a saccharine ode to childhood treats and entrepreneurial spirit, while Johnson’s “Congealed & Stuck” is a gestural exploration of remembered places and faces.

Beyond the Canvas: Performance Meets Visual Art

The exhibition will also feature a special performance by acclaimed choreographer Kyle Abraham and his company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham. This interdisciplinary approach underscores the exhibition’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating dialogue across artistic mediums.

A Global Perspective

“Social Abstraction” doesn’t stop at Beverly Hills. The exhibition will travel to Hong Kong this September, bringing its groundbreaking vision to an international audience and cementing its place in the global art conversation.

As this momentous abstract art exhibition approaches, “Social Abstraction” is expected to stand at the juncture of celebration and challenge. It celebrates the incredible talent and vision of Black artists while challenging us to see abstraction – and by extension, the world – through a new lens. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience.

SOCIAL ABSTRACTION
Curated by Antwaun Sargent
Opening reception: Thursday, July 18, 6–8pm
July 18–August 30, 2024
456 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills



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