The Art Galleries at Black Studies' Idea Lab gallery opened a new exhibition of work from Austin-based artist Adrian Armstrong titled with new eyes… that pushes the boundaries of traditional portraiture. The exhibition is guest-curated by Department of Art and Art History doctoral candidate Phillip Townsend. with new eyes... closes on May 14, 2021.
“I am honored to work with Adrian at this pivotal moment in his career," said Townsend. "This exhibition reveals Adrian's practice to be complex and compelling, one that synthesizes a wide range of pictorial traditions that reinforce the multiplicity of Black identity.”
Armstrong's portraits in this exhibition capture images of family and friends, rendering subjects with an eye for color, gesture, and expression. Armstrong’s work challenges visual modes of representation that have pigeonholed Black identity into a singular category.
“I look forward to a future of black liberation where our differences are accepted and appreciated," said Armstrong. "This body of work is the first step to manifesting that reality.”
Townsend and Armstrong will discuss the exhibition and Armstrong's work on Thursday, April 29 at 4 p.m. CST on Art Galleries at Black Studies Instagram page.