Category: Exhibition

Posted on

Kuheshimu Mababu Zangu, First show of 2025

I’m so excited to be showing a new body of work at the Smalter Art Gallery. I’ve been working on this series for about 2 years now and I’m excited to have them all shown together. This collection I started early in 2022. This show is a snapshot in time of the work I’m currently creating. I enjoy working in series and while this show is complete, I still have several more that I’ll continue to work on to add to it. https://smalterart.com/event/kwanza-humphreys-kuheshimu-mababu-zangu/

Opening Saturday 2/8/2025, 5-8 pm at The Smalter Gallery. The show will run through the month of February. Closing will be weekend of March 7th

“Kuheshimu Mababu Zangu” 

Deep Roots, Oil on canvas 48 x 60 in (121.92 x 152.40 cm)

In this exciting and timely new series, mid-career artist Kwanza Humphrey tenderly pays tribute to those oft-forgotten African tribal artisans who inspired this work. Humphrey’s ancestral home is on the vast continent of Africa, and through this work, he reaches back in time to create a bridge with those in the motherland who have inspired him and so many others with their work. Working in the tradition of folk and vernacular art, Kwanza elaborates on ideas and concepts represented in the tribal narrative. Humphrey elevates and transforms the utilization of the masks from a primarily utilitarian purpose into a reflective concept. Through this process, the artist honors their tradition and introduces new audiences to these seminal creatives, their influential work, and their legacy of artistic brilliance and innovation.

Posted on

My Art Home Fun!

ARTS ON FIRE 2023 – OCTOBER 20TH 5-9 PM
8001 Newton St OPKS

https://www.interurbanarthouse.org/arts-on-fire-2023

This Friday is the big fundraiser for the Interuban Arthouse, the place I call Art Home. I’ll have 6 multimedia pieces in this show Arts on Fire!. Its a completely free exhibition you just must see.

 Included in the night are not only over 700 works available but also a bevy of entertainment and delights including aerialists, and fire wielders! It’s truly a fun night and opportunity to raise money for an incredible organization that does so much to support the community, the arts and myself.

All 6×6 pieces are to raise money for the arthouse and are marked at $40. That’s 4 of my original works at only $40 a piece. These were inspired by my nature walks and a visit to the aquarium. I’m a big proponent of stopping to smell the flowers and these 4 pieces reflect that.

Alongside the 6×6 is also the 12×12 members show with over 200 works included. I’ll have 2 pieces available for sale based on trips I’ve taken scuba diving. I’ve been hard at arting this year and it was nice to reminisce with these 2 and think of when I can get back in the water. These two if purchased will go directly to help me continue my art practice. Make sure you don’t miss this amazing event for both art and fun!

 I hope you can make it!

Sea Goliath
Sea Goliath, Multi-media on paper on wood panel
8 arms waking
8 Arms Waking, Multi-media on paper on wood panel

-Kwanza

Posted on

Friday Is Stacked! The Adventure Continues With BAAR Art And Flatfiles.

Join me for receptions starting at 4 PM at Habitat Contemporary, and 6 PM at H&R Block Artspace

What more can an artist ask for, than new adventures with creative opportunities to share their art with new people in new places across the world?

I am moving into this month with gratitude for all of the great conversations, art sold, and profound questions that were asked of me by my community of friends and patrons in the dialog circle at HJ’s. One question sticks with me, “How are you going to move toward your art being your full-time occupation?” While I dream of being full-time in the studio, I am also quite clear that I am on the right path. These next couple of exhibitions demonstrate the power of this process of unfolding, cascading opportunities emerging from each other.

Yemaya on Edge, 40 x 30 inOil on Canvas

The BAAR Art Journey and Residency is an incredible honor. Join me this Friday for the first exhibition of my work with BAAR, as it launches from KC, out into the world with an exciting series of group exhibitions. Over the next 10 months, 3 paintings and 1 mixed-media piece will travel across the country and the world. I am curious to see how new opportunities will emerge. That is how the journey continues… one show plants a seed and the next one sprouts.

BAAR Art Residency: Habitat Contemporary
(Located in the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center) 07.07.23

Happy Hour Reception
4-6 PM

Location
Register Here

The H&R Block Artspace at the KCAI is opening the 2023 Kansas City Flatfile & Digitalfile, featuring artwork by over 250 regional artists, including 5 of my mixed media pieces. In 2019, I participated in the flatfiles call for art and it was from this unique exhibition that my current commission for St. James Catholic Church emerged. I love the serendipity and synchronicity that comes along the path. I wholeheartedly believe that the just right next steps are emerging. I am looking forward to another wonderful Friday night in KC with art receptions stacked and opportunities sprouting all around us. Join me.

Artist Gaze, 9 x 12, mixed media on paper

2023 Kansas City Flatfile & Digitalfile: H&R Block Artspace
07.07.23
OPENING RECEPTION 6-8

Making the invisible, visible; comes from trusting that I am on my path. Thank you for joining me. See you soon.

~Kwanza