Tag: exhibition

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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.

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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

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HJ’s and Brookside Art Fair 

What a great night for art in Kansas City. My solo exhibition Distinctly Human is up now at HJ’s Youth & Community Center opened the same night as the opening of the Brookside Art Fair. The space is about 2 blocks away from the fair. The night was beautiful with the weather being pleasant at 70-something degrees. The opening was sparsely attended, but that allowed for a more intimate gathering and the ability to connect more deeply. I’m not much of a public speaker so this was perfect. I gave a few opening remarks and then opened it up for questions. We all gathered in a circle and while I don’t like to explain exactly every detail in the work I do, I could explain the intent and listen to the observations others had and what they saw. Though it was a small gathering it was a big night for sales. As one patron put it my work was getting the measles as red dots were sprouting up. Thank you again to all those that made it out and for the great conversations. The exhibition will be up until the end of June. If you’re down for the Brookside Art Fair, head just a couple blocks south to check it out. Feel free to add another red dot too!

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Now/Here

My painting “Clarissa” is part of an amazing show at the H&R Block Art space. Be sure to make your way down to see it and all the amazing art featured in this wonderful gallery.

Featured artists: Patricia Bordallo Dibildox, Ruben Castillo, Jorge García Almodóvar, Rashawn Griffin, Kwanza Humphrey, Kathy Liao, Whitney Manney, Desiree Morales, Andrew Ordonez, Carlos Ortiz-Gallo, Rebeka Pech Moguel, Anthony Marcos Rea, William Plummer, Angelica Sandoval, Kiki Serna, Hyeyoung Shin, Chico Sierra, Heinrich Toh, William Toney.

Location:
Artspace is located at 16 East 43rd St., Kansas City, MO 64111.