Solo Exhibition Showcasing new series by Clarence James
DTR Modern Galleries presents “Color and Grit: The New Frontier of Black Abstraction,” a solo exhibition featuring DTR artist Clarence James
New York, NY — DTR Modern Galleries invites you to an evocative exploration of identity and abstraction in "Color and Grit: The New Frontier of Black Abstraction," an exhibition by the visionary artist Clarence James. Opening on September 26th from 6 PM to 8 PM on the 2nd floor of DTR Modern Gallery, 458 West Broadway, this collection transcends the canvas, intertwining the untamed spirit of the Black cowboy with the rich legacy of abstract expressionism.
Clarence James stands at a precipice in the art world, embodying the role of a modern-day pioneer. His journey is one of bold defiance—eschewing traditional paths in favor of an uncharted frontier where his raw, emotional works challenge conventions and break new ground. With an open mind and an unyielding spirit, James channels his experiences into art that resonates deeply, capturing the complexity of the human condition and the vibrancy of the Black experience.
At the core of this exhibition are portraits that serve as much more than visual representations— they are introspective tools, windows into the psyche that reflect the viewer's emotions back at them. These works, born from a stream of consciousness, are meditative exercises in capturing the fleeting nature of being. Each piece, layered with color and grit, embodies a moment in time, inviting the viewer to engage with their own sense of self, mood, and identity.
The historical significance of the Black cowboy is central to this collection. These figures, often relegated to the shadows of history, emerge as powerful symbols in James' work. They are icons of resilience, independence, and self-determination—qualities that resonate profoundly within the narrative of Black abstraction. By drawing parallels between the Black cowboy and the frontier of abstract art, James sheds light on the broader struggle for visibility and recognition, both within the art world and beyond. His work reclaims this history, offering new possibilities for identity and self-expression that are as expansive as the open plains once traversed by these forgotten pioneers.
Clarence James' approach to abstraction is as unconventional as it is cerebral. His work is a fusion of street and fine art, utilizing spray paint, acrylics, oil sticks, and mop markers to create canvases that pulse with life and energy. This layered technique captures the rugged texture of the streets while elevating it to the status of high art. The works are laden with symbols—codes and references that draw from ancient knowledge, scientific theory, and cosmology, challenging the viewer to engage with the deeper meanings embedded within each piece.
As James navigates this new frontier, his vision is clear: to become a defining force in contemporary art. His ambition is not merely personal but collective—he envisions a world where the contributions of Black artists are celebrated, their stories told, and their work revered in the most prestigious institutions. "Color and Grit: The New Frontier of Black Abstraction" is more than an exhibition; it is a manifesto for a new era of artistic expression, where the boundaries of identity, history, and abstraction are continuously redefined.
Event Details:
DTR Modern Galleries, SoHo
458 West Broadway, New York, NY
2nd Floor
September 26th, 2024
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Click the button above to secure attendance. For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact Avalon Ashley Bellos: abellos@dtrmodern.com.
