November 5, 2020
Art that explores racial inequality and the need for social justice in our nation
“Justice” is a contemporary art exhibit that explores racial inequality and the need for social justice in our nation. From a 300-pound bronze fist by Woody De Othello to a whimsical collage of black femininity by Rashaad Newsome, the exhibit includes 40 artworks in all mediums.
“Many art appreciators are unaware of the scores of accomplished local black artists who are collected by museums across the country and have international reputations,” explains museum director, Nancy Rehkopf. “We asked Karen Jenkins-Johnson, a leading San Francisco Black gallerist and Marin County resident, to bring them together in this exhibition.”
Ms. Jenkins-Johnson selected work that depicts the courage of historic resisters such as “Mugshot Portraits: Women of the Montgomery Bus Boycott” by Lava Thomas along with contemporary leaders like “Angela Davis in Oakland, 2020” by Lewis Watts. Other featured artists include Wesaam Al-Badry, Nyame Brown, Dewey Crumpler, Erica Deeman, Rodney Ewing, and Mildred Howard. The exhibit also includes 30 additional artists selected by Ms. Jenkins-Johnson from a national entry process.
“The Bay Area has long supported political, environmental, social issues, and LGBTQ rights,” explains Jenkins-Johnson. “My curatorial objective for the exhibition was to invite ten Bay Area artists of color whose art practice reflects the local and national issues of our time and, for the national call, to select artworks from across disciplines that include themes of immigration, separation of families, Black Lives Matter, COVID-19, women’s rights and police brutality. I hope ‘Justice’ evokes a positive discussion on diverse issues impacting our society today.”
Karen Jenkins-Johnson is the founder of Jenkins Johnson Gallery which opened in 1996 in San Francisco and Jenkins Johnson Projects, established in 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. She has over 25 years of experience as curator, gallerist and entrepreneur in the arts. Jenkins Johnson Gallery participates in international art fairs including Art Basel, Frieze London, The Armory Show, Paris Photo and FOG Design+Art. The gallery is a member of the San Francisco Art Dealers Association and Association of International Photography.
