A group of Black women artists known as the Infinity Collective is presenting an exhibit called “Just Another Day” at the ARTfactory in Manassas, beginning June 20.
The exhibit will remain open until July 27, and a free reception with the artists will be held June 29 at 6 p.m.
“Just Another Day” challenges the notion that Black women as artists are required to attach political narratives to their work, according to a news release. The exhibit explores the freedom to create artwork that is not laden with Black narratives of social justice, racism and equality. Instead, it is a visual representation of Black women claiming the space to simply exist and share and celebrate moments of the mundane.
“Just Another Day” features the work of artists Camilla Angel, Sanah Brown-Bowers, Shante Bullock, Bria Edwards, Artise Fletcher, Dany Green, Naomi Hanna, Joy Nutt, Reshada Pullen-Jireh, Liz Stewart, Chantae Sudlow, Candice Tavares and Vanessa Villareal.
The exhibition challenges the viewer to disconnect from the need to over-explain the Black woman experience or only be able to find relatability within their work when linked with a social or political cause, according to the release.
The narratives explored in the works instead concentrate on the joy of creating artwork and exploring creativity around culture and experience, while not pressuring the artists to be the voice of radical change or the educators.
The works’ thematic content focuses on moments with family, moments of rest and relaxation, celebrations of culture that aren’t calls for action, the exploration of fashion and images that may explore trauma from the perspective of human experience and not as Black bodies seeking respite.
The works are curated by Zsudayka Nzinga, who focuses on storytelling and the voices of Black women. The Infinity Collective was brought together through a grant from the Honfleur Gallery in Washington, which targeted programming relevant to Black women artists. The grant was sponsored by Sharon Gaultier, who wanted to support work from women artists in the Washington region.
The Infinity Collective selected 11 Black women from the area who are emerging, practicing artists and whose work explores Black culture, both rooted in America and cross-diaspora identities. Assisted by fellow artist Shante Bullock, the artists went through an eight-week business-building workshop with guest speakers ranging from attorneys to art representatives.
Exhibit details
Where: ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas, 20110
When: June 20-July 27. Gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Artist Reception: Saturday, June 29, 6-8 p.m.; free and open to the public, but RSVPs requested at InsideNoVaTix.com
More information: Visit VirginiaARTfactory.org or call (703) 330-2787
