The Angad Arts Hotel is featuring two exhibits highlighting the work of Black Artists. “Black Nonpareil” features the work of 17 local Black artists.
At the Angad Arts Hotel, art inspires conversation. These discussions present new thoughts and ideas to help us better understand the world.
The “Black Nonpareil” art exhibit highlights 17 local Black artists and 29 pieces of art. Artists are given a platform to amplify their voices. This bi-annual show will be displayed until May 2021.
Vanessa Rudloff is the arts relations manager at Angad Arts Hotel. She helped curate art for the show.
Rudloff expresses the importance of supporting regional creators.
“Purchasing from St. Louis artists benefits the community and our city,” Rudloff said. “The biggest impact people can make is to buy locally.”
Rudloff believes Black artists are vital to the art community in St. Louis. Having them succeed here is valuable to the city’s growth.
Cbabi Bayoc has a collection of abstract paintings displayed in the “Black Nonpareil.” Rudloff handpicked each piece for the show.
“I have wanted to exhibit this new body of work, and Angad seemed like the perfect and safe space to show it off,” Bayoc said. “I hope folks are surprised by my work and see a new side of my creative range.”
The hotel will contribute 10% of the revenue to All Black Creatives, a foundation that helps Black artists find jobs and resources in St. Louis. This is the first time the hotel has partnered with another organization.
“I think it’s cool that 10% of the proceeds go to All Black Creatives,” Bayoc said. “The arts are not considered a strong career path for many in the Black community.”
Travis Sheridan made this partnership possible. Sheridan has a solo exhibit featuring nine pieces. He devoted 25% of his proceeds to All Black Creatives.
Sheridan’s “Imperfect Pixels” is featured on the first floor. “Imperfect Pixels” is an interactive exhibit that addresses the tragic deaths of Black individuals in the United States.
“Imperfect Pixels” warps and alters images of victims of police brutality. Only patrons who stop to view the work through a glass orb will see the clear photo.
glass sphere is held in front of them, you can see the image clearly. Photo by Logan Nguyen.
Sheridan asks viewers to pause and reflect on these individuals’ lives.
“Slow down and remember those the Black community has lost,” Sheridan said.
Another 25% of Sheridan’s sales will go to three St. Louis nonprofits. Buyers choose where their contribution goes. All three organizations fight for equity in different aspects of society.
Sheridan incorporated the nonprofit’s unique focuses into his exhibit.
“The economy, policies, and finding justice are three particular strongholds that [Sheridan] chose to highlight in his show,” Rudloff said.
Celebrating individuality creates an inclusive space for everyone to feel heard. The “Black Nonpareil” is an opportunity for the community to learn from these Black artists.
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