The Phoenix Renaissance
Phoenix, AZ is experiencing a period of reinvention. The SuperBowl was here last year, sadly gentrification is becoming more prevalent and more people are moving here from across the country looking for a community that hasn’t always been in the spotlight. The Black community in Phoenix is usually associated with South Phoenix and you rarely see events outside of that area catering to us. With the influx of new transplants (like myself) moving for work or simply because its one of the more affordable cities in the US, there are more events popping up downtown and in other areas. Since the year started I had the pleasure to attend 3 amazing events that focused on black artists, two who are native to Phoenix. The first event was, Sankofa held at the ASU Gammage Gallery downtown, curated by the Onyx Art Gallery and The Phoenix Renaissance event at the Onyx Gallery.
Anyone who relocates here knows that there is a black culture, but it feels hidden. You really have to search the hashtags on Instagram, or know someone who is into that specific scene. There are groups like Cactus Culture who are striving to build community amongst newcomers via networking and events, but there is so much more to experience. The Onyx Art gallery is a black owned business that isn’t afraid to take the reins and unapologetically create events that celebrate Black culture. Both the Sankofa and Phoenix Renaissance event were organized by the Onyx Art Gallery and they felt intimate and warm. Each event was a true celebration of the art, the music, the inspiration and the passion that these artists shared in their work. There was no mention of the struggles that usually cloud Black History Month events, they were simply a place to celebrate Black artists.
The Sankofa event was an opportunity to view the incredible Cover2Cover Collection by native Phoenician artist Kris Rhymes. He took album covers and created beautiful collage style pieces, paying homage to some of his favorite musicians. For each piece there was a local creative who talked about their connection to those musical artists, they took us on a walk down their personal experiences with each artist. Antoinette Cauley (who had her own gallery show downtown) shared her personal connection to Nipsey Hustle and how he inspired her to truly dive into her creative side. Juju Nation brought us to reality with an empowering take on the “Whats Goin On” piece, ending with a guided meditation. Love is my algorithm was a perspective shared by Issac Paul. This man LOVES Sade, it was a personal take on his experience with the album “The Love Deluxe” and honestly it made me want to experience the album the way he did. We were able to gather closely to take in a story, there wasn’t a formal stage or even a mic and that was the beauty in the event simply gathering to enjoy art, music and come together over this common appreciation.
Artist Kris Rhymes speaking on his “Whats Goin On” piece
While walking downtown to try out Taco Chelo for the first time, I was drawn into a gallery one block over. There was a vibrant painting of a young girl with gold fronts in her mouth, a pink bucket hat and pink glasses. The collection was called “I Do It For The Hood pt2” by Antoinette Cauley. This was a love story to the blend of cultures that is Phoenix. Seeing Black culture on display, at a gallery in the middle of downtown, through the lens of a native Phoenician reminded me that Black culture is not a monolith, it adapts to our location and the various influences. As someone who moved to Phoenix, its clear that West Coast energy is present, yet there are nods to the Native American and Mexican influence everywhere you go. In this collection of art, I saw the Black culture of Phoenix, not watered down, not hidden in the back corner of the room but taking over an entire gallery in the center of downtown.
Flyer for “Do It for The Hood pt2”
Art has often led the way to evolution, growth and change in so many cities throughout America. At the Phoenix Renissance event each artist and a variety of creatives are standing tall to be seen because they have always been here. They talked about where they drew inspiration, their longing to be free of a traditional job and their various unorthodox approached to creating. Kris Rhymes took a chance after being encouraged by an art teacher in community college and found inspiration in the lost medium that is record covers. Phalen Booker creates the most emotionally striking pieces but never sketches a blue print. Melissa Mason chooses to create various accessories with the most unforgiving material, leather and still her pieces feel like they were crafted in a small village far away. Each of these artists are taking art into their own hands and making pieces that make you stop dead in your tracks. Small businesses throughout the valley are providing the platform and Black Culture will no longer be hidden behind South Mountain. It will be present, seen and enjoyed by visitors and natives all the same, this is The Phoenix Rensaissance.
