In late July, six Black women abstract artists sat down to have a discussion about what it means to be Black, women and abstract artists within Los Angeles’ art world. Hosted by Long Beach’s Flux Art Space, what was supposed to be about an hour and a half-long conversation, with nearly 150 viewers, went nearly two hours—and it was hard to stop there.
During the webinar moderated by curator Dr. jill moniz and Los Angeles Municipal Gallery Director Isabelle Lutterodt, the artists—Sharon Barnes, Adrian Culverson, Adrienne DeVine, June Edmonds, Holly Tempo, and Lisa Diane Wedgeworth—spoke about their practice, how they’ve stayed healthy and sane during the pandemic, how they’ve responded through their art to the ongoing unrest sparked by the murder of George Floyd, and more.
The entirety of the discussion is now watchable on YouTube via Conversations About Abstraction’s new channel.
After July 26’s conversation, initiated by Wedgeworth, who was asked during a studio visit, “What conversations are you having with other Black women abstract artists in Los Angeles,” plans are in the works to continue the discussion. Now established as a platform for artists to talk about their work and experiences, Conversations About Abstraction will for its inaugural discussions make space for “artists whose perspectives have been historically marginalized within or excluded from the canon.”
To receive notice of future events, send an email to [email protected].