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A New Era of Artistic Exploration at One Contemporary
One Contemporary Gallery is celebrating a remarkable milestone: its first anniversary in Atlanta. The gallery's latest exhibition, “Inner Views: Artists at Home,” offers a unique perspective on how domestic environments can encapsulate memories, creativity, and cultural narratives. This vibrant showcase, open at 395 Edgewood Avenue, invites visitors into the personal and shared experiences that shape our understanding of home.
Celebrating Community and Creativity
Featuring the works of 14 contemporary artists, many of whom created pieces specifically for this exhibition, “Inner Views” encourages guests to reflect on the concept of home through a varied lens. The exhibition text captures this sentiment beautifully, describing it as “a collective musing on home, family, and community.” The pieces delve into both everyday moments and richer cultural histories, allowing artists to examine their lived experiences in context to their surroundings.
Art That Connects
Faron Manuel, the gallery director and curator, expressed his satisfaction with the enthusiastic response from the community. According to him, “It feels really good to be in the community in this way,” signaling a commitment to fostering creativity and safe spaces for artists to explore their boundaries. Almost half of the works on display were created for the exhibition, highlighting the ingenuity of the artists involved.
Among the featured artworks is Ariel Danielle’s The Morning After (2024). This engaging piece depicts a tranquil scene filled with breakfast foods, emphasizing the ties between culinary experiences and personal connections. “I’m still thinking about food as a subject and how it brings people together,” Danielle explains. This intimate portrayal not only comments on the physical space of home but encapsulates the emotional weight these spaces carry.
Reflections on Shared Spaces
Similarly, the works of artist Jurrell Cayetano invite contemplation on how interpersonal relationships intertwine with our environments. His piece, Jay at the Community Farm (2024), is influenced by a poignant experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by isolation yet revealing the strength of community bonds through small gestures, such as the gift of eggs from a neighbor. Cayetano notes, "It feels great, kind of like a class reunion in a sense," reflecting the community's collective journey and healing.
Approaching Art from New Angles
Collaboration also emerges as a theme in the exhibition, as seen in Petie Parker’s work, which he created alongside Paper Frank. The piece, Rent Free (2026), is an illustration of artistic partnership that blossomed spontaneously. Parker emphasized the power of ideas and creativity that thrive in less conventional environments. “You might have minimal tools, but if you have your mind, you’re good,” he asserts, reinforcing the notion that art can stem from imagination and shared narratives.
Welcoming Artistic Innovation
The exhibition has received accolades not just for its artistic display but also for the thoughtful curation by Manuel. Veteran curator Tina Dunkley pointed out its broader significance within contemporary art, noting a liberating shift that allows artists to explore freely without the constraints often imposed by larger institutions. This exhibition creates an invigorating environment, celebrating innovation and artistic freedom.
Looking Forward
With its first year now behind it, One Contemporary Gallery is poised for an exciting future. By investing in the next generation of artists through internship opportunities at local universities, the gallery underscores its commitment to nurturing talent and creativity within the community. Manuel’s vision extends beyond mere acknowledgment of an anniversary; it focuses on cultivating a thriving artistic lifestyle.
The gallery’s anniversary exhibition “Inner Views: Artists at Home” runs at One Contemporary Gallery until the end of the month. Visitors are encouraged to explore this thought-provoking collection that celebrates life, creativity, and the connections we share in our intimate spaces. Your presence at the gallery supports a vibrant art community and connects you to the cultural heartbeat of Atlanta.
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