The Liu Shiming Art Foundation is pleased to present “Innovative Narratives”- featuring Chidinma Dureke and Melanie Brock on June 28, 2024.
Liu Shiming Art Foundation proudly hosted Liu Shiming Artists Talk on June 28,
2024, featuring two exceptional artists, Chidinma Dureke and Melanie Brock, two
recipients of the 2023 Liu Shiming Art Grants. Held at the Foundation’s venue on 15E
40th St, 5th Floor, New York, the event opened with an introduction of the artists,
who then shared their artistic journeys and practices. The session concluded with a
Q&A and a guided tour of the Liu Shiming Art Gallery, providing attendees deeper
insights into the artists' works and the Foundation's mission.
Celebrating Black Identity Through Art
Chidinma Dureke, a multidisciplinary painter, and graphic designer based in Washington, DC, captivated the audience by exploring Black identity through art. Her dynamic visual narratives weave together elements of African art history, traditional portrait painting, and modern mass media. During her presentation, Dureke shared how her experiences straddling Nigeria and the United States have enriched her artistic vision, infusing her work with a deep, cross-cultural resonance.
Chidinma Dureke. 30 Portraits, 30 Days, 2020-2021. Oil on paper. 12 x 9 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Dureke’s discussion highlighted her 30-day portrait challenge undertaken during the pandemic, where she painted a person of color each day, inspired by the sociopolitical turmoil and the Black Lives Matter movement. Her art grapples with themes such as the commodification of the Black body, urban landscapes, and the representation of Black women in media. She also delved into her transition from two-dimensional portraits to three-dimensional works, using everyday products and mass media as a lens to explore cultural identity and history.
Exploring Architectural Boundaries Through Abstract Art
Melanie Brock, an abstract oil painter with a rich architecture and business management background, offered profound insights into the interplay between human behavior and architectural spaces. Brock's paintings interrogate the boundaries between public and private spaces, examining how these demarcations shape human interaction.
Melanie Brock. Passage, 2023. Oil on canvas. 30 x 28 in. Courtesy of the artist.
In her talk, Brock recounted her journey from business management to architecture and ultimately to visual arts, underscoring how each discipline informed her unique painting approach. She presented a series of works that document the transitional zones in urban environments, capturing the subtle markers of human presence within these spaces. Brock’s recent pieces reflect her fascination with derelict and forgotten places, encapsulating moments of authentic human connection amidst decay and abandonment.
The artist’s talk was a resounding success, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with contemporary art and gain insights into the creative practices of two talented artists. The Liu Shiming Art Foundation remains dedicated to supporting and celebrating the work of emerging artists, fostering a global discourse that recognizes our common humanity through art.
For more information about upcoming events and exhibitions, please visit our website and social media.
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