Black and white image of artist Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin in front of a graffiti mural and houses.
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In this solo exhibition, Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin features a stunning array of her poignant large scale oil portraiture paintings, drawings, mixed media work and silk printed photography. Yuzly, a Haitian American artist, has been honing her craft for over two decades, drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of the Harlem Renaissance, the vibrant energy of 90s and 2000s hip hop culture and the poignant history of the civil rights movement. Her multifaceted art practice encompasses oil painting, murals and film photography. Through her artwork, Ingrid is committed to uplifting and empowering underserved communities, transcending cultural boundaries and fostering unity through creative expression.
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Image of SoLA's Executive Director, Anefertiti Bowman, with a colorful mural in the background.
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Anefertiti Bowman, Executive Director and Curator of SoLA Contemporary, is a holistic facilitator of the arts and culture. As a passionate community champion and producer, she diligently works to curate space and opportunities that amplify and lift up diverse creative voices. Committed to ensuring access while safeguarding black, brown and indigenous voices, Anefertiti fearlessly protects and advocates for authentic narratives that have been silenced for far too long. She engineers memorable programming, collaborations and opportunities for people to organically connect with each other through the lens of art and storytelling.
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BLACK JOY:
Healing From the Inside Out
Solo show featuring Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin at Sovern LA
May 6, 2023 - August 26, 2023
Highlighting the importance of healing in Black and brown communities, Yuzly's paintings, drawings and photography offer intimate glimpses into the artist's personal healing journey. While underscoring social injustices that happen to everyday families of color through her own story, each piece serves as a bold yet gentle reminder for the viewer to cherish and nourish themselves. Yuzly's images throughout this body of work tell beautiful, uplifting stories of Black and brown men and women celebrating joyful and exciting moments.
Artist Statement:
"As a first-generation Haitian American artist, I am dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage of both my Haitian and American identities. Through my art, I celebrate and uplift the beauty and resilience of those who have been historically marginalized by sharing their daily lives and stories.
My work explores themes of joy, community and healing, and I incorporate the image of bees as a representation of the African deity Oshun, which holds personal significance in my spiritual practices. Through this symbol, I establish strength, perseverance and love, and inspire others to explore their cultural roots and begin the process of healing from generational traumas.
The color yellow is also a significant element in my work, as it represents the symbol of the African Deity Oshun in my personal Yoruba spiritual practices from Nigeria.
As an artist, I am passionate about bringing attention to the often-overlooked experiences and perspectives of Black Americans due to systemic racism and the lack of cultural representation. I use typography and fashion in some of my portraits to spotlight these social issues and offer my own perspective on the current climate. My studies at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in fashion design inspired me to address these issues and expand upon them through my hidden messages in the works that I create. Maybe it’s the inner graffiti artist in me."
"As a first-generation Haitian American artist, I am dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage of both my Haitian and American identities. Through my art, I celebrate and uplift the beauty and resilience of those who have been historically marginalized by sharing their daily lives and stories.
My work explores themes of joy, community and healing, and I incorporate the image of bees as a representation of the African deity Oshun, which holds personal significance in my spiritual practices. Through this symbol, I establish strength, perseverance and love, and inspire others to explore their cultural roots and begin the process of healing from generational traumas.
The color yellow is also a significant element in my work, as it represents the symbol of the African Deity Oshun in my personal Yoruba spiritual practices from Nigeria.
As an artist, I am passionate about bringing attention to the often-overlooked experiences and perspectives of Black Americans due to systemic racism and the lack of cultural representation. I use typography and fashion in some of my portraits to spotlight these social issues and offer my own perspective on the current climate. My studies at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in fashion design inspired me to address these issues and expand upon them through my hidden messages in the works that I create. Maybe it’s the inner graffiti artist in me."
Viewing by appointment Monday through Saturday.
Email to book viewing time: info@sovern.la
Digital Catalog:
BLACK JOY sizzle reel:
video by Calethia DeConto
Sovern LA is a nonprofit intersectional community center and gallery, located in LA’s West Adams district, focused on supporting Black and Indigenous women and gender expansive people of color. Fueled by a passion for justice, equality and creative expression, our organization is driven by the collective determination to center healing justice, challenge systemic barriers, empower artists of color and amplify their impact for collective wellbeing. By building a community that uplifts and celebrates diverse voices, we aim to reshape the art world in Los Angeles and beyond, creating a more inclusive and equitable space where artists and communities can thrive together.
SoLA Contemporary is a nomadic BIPOC, women-led arts nonprofit that serves as a cornerstone for cultural and artistic innovation. Our goal is to advocate for change by empowering people from diverse backgrounds to take risks in their creative endeavors and to explore the intersection of art, wellness, identity and social change. Above all, SoLA Contemporary is a safe and receptive community for anyone seeking to experience the power of contemporary art.
SoLA Contemporary is a nomadic BIPOC, women-led arts nonprofit that serves as a cornerstone for cultural and artistic innovation. Our goal is to advocate for change by empowering people from diverse backgrounds to take risks in their creative endeavors and to explore the intersection of art, wellness, identity and social change. Above all, SoLA Contemporary is a safe and receptive community for anyone seeking to experience the power of contemporary art.
