Meet the artists featured in the first
exhibition of the Skylight Gallery’s 2006-2007 season, "Southern
Trees Bare Strange Fruit," at a reception on Thursday, Oct.
5. This show is the first in a season of contemporary art exhibitions
to be helmed by artists Danny Simmons and Meridith McNeal.
Among the featured African-American artists from Memphis, Tenn.
is Vitus Shell whose mixed media on canvas, "Bringing Back,"
is pictured.
The title of the exhibition – which includes paintings, works
on paper, collage and more – is a play on words, says artist
frank d. robinson jr., who feels that the show reveals the unique
perspective of southern artists.
"All of us represent southern culture, and we’re just trying
to forge a new awakening about the South and our point of view,"
explained robinson.
Inspired by the song, "Strange Fruit" – written by
Lewis Allan (aka Abel Meeropol) and made famous by singer Billie
Holiday – about the lynching of a black man, the show includes
robinson’s mixed media "prayer boxes" which include
a tribute to Muddy Waters, "drinking your blues away"
and grandmothers.
The artist said that even the letters of his own name are a bit
of wordplay, this time inspired by writer bell hooks.
Said robinson, "It’s a statement against capitalism."
"Southern Trees Bare Strange Fruit" is on display at
the Skylight Gallery in Restoration Plaza (1368 Fulton St. at
New York Avenue, third floor) through Nov. 4. The Oct. 5 reception,
which takes place from 6 pm to 8 pm, is free and open to the
public. For more information, call (718) 636-6976.
