RECLAIMING SPACE
a solo exhibition featuring Amari Jade
on view January 20 - February 24, 2024
"When I conceptualized this installation, I had just embarked on pursuing my art full time. Trying to immerse myself into the LA art scene was incredibly nerve racking, so to calm my nerves, I took myself on a date to the Descanso Gardens in La Canada. I felt so grounded in nature's territory – and I wanted to bring that feeling of comfort and stability into a gallery space since, at the time, that was an environment I felt most uncomfortable in. Treating myself to the botanical gardens brought me back to a place of simplicity. I didn’t need to be out in a crowded room with expensive art to feel a sense of belonging and inspiration.
I wanted to create an environment that actually makes people feel comfortable enough to just be – without the pressure to always think or feel. And having nature reclaim its space back into our daily lives through art is my way of encouraging people to take a break from the stresses of everyday life and be in an environment where they can simply exist with nature and enjoy art."
-Amari Jade
Opening Reception
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | 7 pm - 10 pm
Closing Ceremony & Plant Sale
Saturday, February 24, 2024
I wanted to create an environment that actually makes people feel comfortable enough to just be – without the pressure to always think or feel. And having nature reclaim its space back into our daily lives through art is my way of encouraging people to take a break from the stresses of everyday life and be in an environment where they can simply exist with nature and enjoy art."
-Amari Jade
Opening Reception
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | 7 pm - 10 pm
Closing Ceremony & Plant Sale
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Amari Jade Amari Jade started her artistic journey as a dancer in Cleveland, OH at the age of five. She studied dance throughout her adolescence and into her studies at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Once there, her creative expression shifted toward visual arts, specifically painting & illustration, which led her to move to Los Angeles to pursue her artistic endeavors even more. While residing in LA, Amari has exhibited in 15 group exhibitions. She has had her work featured in The Last Bookstore, Canis Major & Tea Pop, and she created a mural outside of North Hollywood Furniture Outlet. Amari’s artistry continues to expand as she now embarks on creating functional art by painting furniture and creating interactive sculpture installations.
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Artist Statement:
“Art can be so complex sometimes. So to keep things simple: when I’m feeling creative but don’t know what to create: I’ll draw zentangle patterns. When I’m emotional and want to express something specific: I’ll make an illustration. I enjoy painting because it’s challenging yet therapeutic. And I’ll usually get inspired to create sculpture installations when I want to make people think and feel. Ultimately, creativity is so broad and I am open to using any medium that I think will execute my vision best. My influences range from song lyrics, to surrealist art, to the images and messages I receive from the divine channel in my meditations – anything that will inspire me to create a manifesto for a mindfuck.”
“Art can be so complex sometimes. So to keep things simple: when I’m feeling creative but don’t know what to create: I’ll draw zentangle patterns. When I’m emotional and want to express something specific: I’ll make an illustration. I enjoy painting because it’s challenging yet therapeutic. And I’ll usually get inspired to create sculpture installations when I want to make people think and feel. Ultimately, creativity is so broad and I am open to using any medium that I think will execute my vision best. My influences range from song lyrics, to surrealist art, to the images and messages I receive from the divine channel in my meditations – anything that will inspire me to create a manifesto for a mindfuck.”
Sovern LA is an 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.