Kaya’s Statement.
A Revival At the Crossroads
I examine the artistic and cultural roots of the African Diaspora, and its influence on cultures around the world. The work celebrates African American culture through exploration of blues and jazz music, and political and social movements. In my assemblage sculptures, I revive the voices of found materials to create new interpretations of African American experience. My work celebrates African American artists and musicians whose creative ideas have guided us towards self-determination and liberation. Through the paintings, I explore a dialogue between the Mexican Muralists, the African American Modernists and the Black Power Movement. African religious symbolism is a recurring thread in my work that honors my ancestors and brings them forward. We celebrate the triumphs of our artistic experience so that we may create new visions for our children and our community. The revival at the crossroads is a convergence of artistic elements that inspire me to redefine my reality as an artist.
Resume.
Kara Fortune
1942 24th Ave
Oakland, California 94601
kayafortune@gmail.com 510-329-3814
Education:
UCLA: Fine Art and Anthropology - BA 1978
Otis Art Institute: Fashion and Illustration, Continuing Studies - 1980-82
Harvard: Project Zero, Teaching for Understanding - 2007
Professional Projects:
Neo-Dandy Art Collective: Co-Founder and Community Liason
Hood Games/ Town Park: Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Soul Salon 10 Art Collective: Co-Founder
Youth Art Alliance: Curriculum Coordinator
Afro Blue Design: Founder and Designer
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Art Exhibitions:
Spirit House Gallery: Group Show, “Bold as Love” - Febuary 2018
Joyce Gordon Gallery, Solo Show: “The Revival at the Crossroads" - January 2018
Kelly Pascal Gallery: “Reflections of Oakland” - September 2017
Ball Universe Gallery: "Kaya + Gthingi" - June 2017
The Legacy of the Black Panther Party: American Steel - May/June 2016
The Hub Gallery: "Uptown" - March 2016
Oakstop Gallery: “Black Artists on Art” - February 2015
Mercury 20 Gallery: “Innerboogieology”, solo show, - September 2014
Mocha Gallery: “Mocha After Dark, Artists Collaboration” - September 2014
Jefferson St. Gallery: “Three the Hard Way” - July, 2014
Rock Paper Scissors: “Urban Tapestry” - June 2014
Mercury 20 Gallery Collaborative Show with Jill McLennan - February 2014
African American Cultural Center: San Francisco,
“The Life and Times of Nina Simone”, with 14 artists - July 2013
Mua Restaurant: “Urban Hyroglyphics” with Jill McLennan - April 2013
Joyce Gordon Gallery: “Civil Rights and Lefts” - October 2012
Luka’s Restaurant: “Kush to Compton” - May 2012
Joyce Gordon Gallery: “In the Spirit of Our Ancestor” - October 2011
African American Cultural Center: “The Life and Times of Fela Kuti” San Francisco - October 2011
Raw Gallery Exhibition: “Town Park” - September 2011
African American Museum, Los Angeles: “How We Roll” - July 2010
Somar Art Bar: “Are you Hood Enough: Kaya and K-Dub” - June 2010
Raw Gallery: “Cabeza” - February 2010
MOCHA: “Embracing the Spirit: Teaching Artists” - September 2009
Pro Arts Gallery:“Featuring Soul Salon Ten Collective” - March 2009
Nuba Gallery: ,Chicago,“Black and Blue: Soul Salon 10” - November 2008
Luka’s Restaurant: “Back to Black” - September 2008
Yerba Buena Art Center: Bay Area Now 5 - June 2008
9th St. Gallery: “Soul Salon 10 presents Swamp Meet” - February 2008
American Musuem:Soul Salon, “Trouble Man: Marvin Gaye” - April 2006
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