Review of “Non-Monolith” a Group Art Exhibition
By Jean Hackett
DreamWeek Exhibit
Painter Mav Pascal describes “Non-Monolith,” an exhibit featuring works by fifteen Black male artists as “a creative space for Black men to express themselves in real time. An expression Pagainst the stigma of being a Black man with no emotions, being all the same.” The DreamWeek pop up gallery at La Zona Cultural, sponsored by the San Antonio Ethnic Art Society, is possibly San Antonio’s first exhibit featuring only art by African American men. The show officially opened January 11. On January 23 from 6:30- 9:00, participating artists will hold a free, public panel discussion about the exhibit. Artwork on display highlights a variety of media and themes.
Mav Pascal explains he uses art to demonstrate how “we have the powers of transformation.” One of his geometric pieces includes a cluster of butterflies rising from upraised hands. For the artist, “Butterflies represent transmutation, juxtaposition, and growth in life” while hands symbolize action.
Alexander McBeth’s included works focuses on defying stereotypes. For example, he used granulating watercolors to create a vintage feel for his portrait representing the Negro League Hockey, founded in 1893. Also on display is a self-portrait of the artist holding binoculars while birdwatching. McBeth concedes he receives questions and laughter when he participates in this activity, usually not associated with Black men.
Boma Muaka creates digital collages. One combines the photo of a Black woman weighted down with packages as she rushing through traffic juxtaposed against a 1970’s Bronx scene. According to Muaka, the collage is “an homage to Black women and how their work is often overlooked, but their role is important.” He chose the Bronx as a backdrop because it reminds him of the energy of the Hip Hop and punk scenes of fifty years ago while also recalling the Harlem Renaissance. Another piece in the exhibit, “How to Make it in America,” was inspired by a TV show and serves honor “Black Americans, especially those coming to the United States and what they will do to make it in America, whatever the cost,” a topic the San Antonio native, whose parents are from the Congo and Mississippi, understands well.
Josiah C. Harris, a nineteen-year-old San Antonio College student, is the youngest artist featured in the exhibit. Harris is “intrigued by the use of art as expressing how I feel.” His two acrylic paintings illustrate “how people express themselves” and feature images of Black men of different ages and skin tones, some with blue faces, set against a background of bright African masks representing “what the ancestors left us.”
“Non-Monolith” opened to a joyous crowd of about 150 people serenaded by jazz trumpeter Zay David. Unfortunately, the family-friendly event was interrupted by a man shouting insults and throwing wine on the artwork. A member of the SAEAS, the perpetrator was not arrested but banned from the organization. Police are looking into the incident.
Kaldric Deshon Dow, one of the participating artists, posted on Facebook, “After the drama played out, I realized there was an importance in the work that I do. Despite what happened, the show was “successful as many people made it out and enjoyed the various works.”
Artist Paul Hurd observed, “We are neighbors adding to the beautiful tapestry of San Antonio. [The exhibit] allows for smooth conversation about how we are not the same. It is a conversation with us and between each other, a kind of healing.”
Please consider attending the panel discussion on “Non-Monolith” at La Zona Cultural January 23 Take time to explore the artwork and support this often-overlooked part of the local creative community.
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