The Flourishing of Black Art:
A Journey Through Essence in Bloom
In celebration of Black History Month, Essence in Bloom emerges as a beacon of artistic excellence, uniting a breathtaking array of works that encapsulate resilience, heritage, and innovation. This powerful exhibition showcases a diverse collection of textile works, fused glass, mixed-media, portraiture, and abstract paintings from exceptional artists across the nation. Each piece offers an intimate glimpse into personal narratives, cultural traditions, and historical experiences, culminating in a profound testament to the evolution of Black artistic expression.
Black art has long been a vessel for cultural storytelling, resistance, and celebration.
From the elaborate African textile traditions that influenced contemporary fiber art to the vibrant murals of the Harlem Renaissance that transformed public spaces into canvases of empowerment, each era of Black artistry carries an undeniable depth of history.
The legacy of artists like Jacob Lawrence, whose Migration Series chronicled the movement of Black communities seeking opportunity and freedom, continues to inspire and inform contemporary creators. Essence in Bloom follows in these footsteps, reflecting the past while embracing the present and future of Black artistic expression.
The Harlem Renaissance: A Revolution in Black Art
Bringing attention to the Harlem Renaissance is essential because it represents a pivotal moment in Black history when art became a means of asserting identity, reclaiming narratives, and influencing American culture. This movement wasn’t just about artistic expression—it was a declaration of self-worth and empowerment at a time when Black voices were often suppressed. The works of Harlem Renaissance artists reflected joy, struggle, and resilience, shaping the way Black art would be perceived for generations to come. Recognizing its influence today through exhibitions like Essence in Bloom ensures that the spirit of this cultural awakening continues to inspire and evolve.
One of the most significant historical movements in Black art was the Harlem Renaissance (1918–1937). This cultural explosion in Harlem, New York, saw Black artists, writers, and musicians redefining artistic identity and self-expression. Figures like Aaron Douglas, who infused African heritage into modernist styles, and Augusta Savage, who fought for Black representation in sculpture, paved the way for future generations. The Harlem Renaissance was not only a movement of artistic achievement but also an assertion of Black identity in a segregated America. Its influence reverberates today in exhibitions like Essence in Bloom, where artists continue to challenge narratives and assert the richness of Black cultural heritage.
AUGUSTA SAVAGE (1892-1962), American sculptor
My Experience with Amazing Black Artists
I have had the privilege of encountering the works of extraordinary Black artists whose creativity and storytelling have left a lasting impression on me. I first encountered the works of Romare Bearden and David Driskell at the Honolulu Museum of Art, and right away, I fell in love with them. Their art spoke to me on a profound level, evoking a deep emotional connection that transcended time and space.
Bearden’s vibrant collages, infused with jazz-like rhythm and movement, captured the essence of Black life and resilience in a way that felt both deeply personal and universally powerful. Driskell’s layered compositions, rich with cultural heritage and identity, illuminated the beauty and complexity of Black experiences through colors, textures, and themes of spirituality and family. Seeing their work in person allowed me to understand how their art is not only a reflection of history but also an invitation to engage in dialogue with the past and present.
lies its title piece, Essence in Bloom, created by Love Aritus. Born in Haiti and raised in Denver, CO, Aritus has always been drawn to the organic patterns found in both nature and human anatomy. This fascination manifests vividly in Essence in Bloom, a striking depiction of a woman emerging from a bed of calla lilies—an image symbolizing rebirth and renewal. Just as flowers bloom anew with each season, this work embodies the resilience and continuous transformation of Black identity and artistic expression.
The Rhythm of the Blues in Art and Music
Romare Bearden was a groundbreaking American artist whose work masterfully blended collage, painting, and printmaking to depict Black life and culture. Born in 1911 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and later moving to Harlem, Bearden was deeply influenced by the Harlem Renaissance. His work often explored themes of migration, jazz, and everyday life in Black communities. He was known for his innovative use of collage, layering photographs, painted papers, and magazine clippings to construct vivid, rhythmic compositions that echoed the improvisational nature of jazz and the storytelling tradition of the blues.
Bearden's art was a direct response to his experiences and observations, portraying a complex, yet deeply humanistic, view of African American life. One of his most renowned series, The Prevalence of Ritual, examined themes of spirituality, resilience, and cultural memory. Through works like Three Folk Musicians and The Block, he depicted Black identity with bold colors, fragmented imagery, and an undeniable sense of movement and energy. His impact extended beyond his own artistic practice—he was an activist, a scholar, and a mentor who helped elevate Black artists in a segregated art world.
As Bearden once said:
"Even though you go through these terrible experiences, you come out feeling good. That’s what the blues say and that’s what I believe—life will prevail." —Romare Bearden
Bearden’s work, much like the blues itself, transforms struggle into a powerful testament of endurance and beauty. The blues, rooted in African American history, emerged as a means of expression for those navigating systemic oppression and personal hardship. This resilience, passed down through generations, continues to inspire contemporary Black artists, who translate those same themes into visual compositions, much like those seen in Essence in Bloom.
Honoring David Driskell: Women in Interior (2008)
David Driskell’s work left a lasting impression on me when I first saw it at the Honolulu Museum of Art. His mastery in painting and collage, blending vibrant hues with powerful imagery, created an experience that felt both intimate and monumental. His ability to tell stories through color and texture resonated with me, making me appreciate how art can serve as both a historical document and a deeply personal expression of identity and resilience.
David Driskell, a celebrated artist, scholar, and curator, was a pioneering force in establishing African American art as a vital and respected field. Best known for organizing the groundbreaking 1976 exhibition Two Centuries of Black American Art at LACMA, Driskell’s work brought much-needed attention to Black artists who had been historically overlooked.
A distinguished professor of art at the University of Maryland, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in the Humanities in 2000 and later inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2018. His painting Women in Interior (2008) showcases his mastery in painting and collage, blending rich hues and layered compositions that reflect heritage, identity, and culture. Driskell’s impact goes beyond his own artistic contributions—his advocacy ensured that Black artists were given rightful spaces in museums, collections, and academia, paving the way for today’s thriving Black art movement.
Featured Seattle Artist: Aviona Rodriguez Brown
I had the privilege of meeting Aviona Rodriguez Brown at the Seattle International Dance Festival Fundraiser event, where I was immediately captivated by their artistic vision and dedication to social change. Passionate to learn more about their journey, I had the opportunity to interview them, gaining deeper insight into their work and the profound impact they are making in Seattle’s art scene.
Aviona Rodriguez Brown's work is particularly significant in Seattle as it bridges social activism and artistic expression, addressing urgent local and national issues such as racial identity, mental health, homelessness, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Their multidisciplinary approach fosters inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that art remains a powerful tool for healing and awareness. Through their leadership in community projects, workshops, and performances, Aviona amplifies underrepresented voices in Seattle’s evolving arts scene, creating a lasting impact on the city’s cultural landscape. Their work at ARB Consulting Arts further strengthens Seattle’s artistic community by mentoring emerging artists and expanding opportunities for creative expression.
Q: What is the mission behind the ARB Consulting Arts?
A: Our mission is to empower and connect communities through the transformative power of the arts. We strive to instill self-awareness within the community by creating art exploration spaces for intergenerational families of various cultures. By fostering inclusive, creative, and sustainable engagement practices that harness the diverse modalities of visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and digital media, we partner with community members, organizations, and stakeholders to cultivate vibrant, resilient communities where every voice is heard, and every story is valued.
Q: What is your vision for the future of the arts?
A: We envision a world where the arts are a cornerstone of community engagement, driving social change and enhancing the quality of life for all. We believe that through our work and partnerships, communities of color can learn the leisure and healing that come through artistic expression and consumption. Our vision is to be a global leader in innovative and inclusive community engagement, leveraging the arts to bridge divides, inspire collaboration, and celebrate cultural diversity. Through our commitment to creativity and collaboration, we aspire to build a more connected, empathetic, and empowered society.
Q: How do you see your role in Seattle’s art scene?
A: My work is particularly significant in Seattle as it bridges social activism and artistic expression, addressing urgent local and national issues such as racial identity, mental health, homelessness, and LGBTQ+ experiences. My multidisciplinary approach fosters inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that art remains a powerful tool for healing and awareness. Through my leadership in community projects, workshops, and performances, I hope to amplify underrepresented voices in Seattle’s evolving arts scene, creating a lasting impact on the city’s cultural landscape. My work at ARB Consulting Arts further strengthens Seattle’s artistic community by mentoring emerging artists and expanding opportunities for creative expression.
Learn More >> ARB CONSULTING ARTS
Essence in Bloom by Love Aritus: A Symbol of Renewal
I discovered Essence in Bloom through my role as Gallery Director at Gallery B612, and it immediately resonated with me.
At the heart of this exhibition lies its title piece, Essence in Bloom, created by Love Aritus.
Born in Haiti and raised in Denver, CO, Aritus has always been drawn to the organic patterns found in both nature and human anatomy. This fascination manifests vividly in Essence in Bloom, a striking depiction of a woman emerging from a bed of calla lilies—an image symbolizing rebirth and renewal. Just as flowers bloom anew with each season, this work embodies the resilience and continuous transformation of Black identity and artistic expression.
Experience Essence in Bloom at Gallery B612
This remarkable exhibition will be prominently featured in the upcoming Gallery B612 Group Show, further elevating its presence and impact within the contemporary art scene. To experience this celebration of Black legacy, culture, and creativity firsthand, join us for the Opening Reception of Essence in Bloom: A Celebration of Black Legacy, Culture, and Artistic Expression on February 27, 2025, from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at Gallery B612, Seattle WA.
Featured artists:
Love Aritus (Denver, CO)
Arnaya Needleman (Los Angeles, CA)
Brenetta Ward (Seattle, WA)
Jonarra Swanson (Federal Way, WA)
Acquaetta Williams (Bowie, MD)
Malik Mayfield (Renton, WA)
Crystal Goodwin (Kent, WA)
Roslyn Burns (Seattle, WA)
Di Faria (Aubern, Washington)
Alison Barrows-Young (Sandpoint, ID)