The Black Art Auction

RSVP now to join us for an unforgettable evening at St John's Episcopal Cathedral on Fri Feb 02 2024 at 18:00:00 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time) as we celebrate the mesmerizing world of black art. This in-person event is a feast for the senses, showcasing a diverse collection of stunning artworks that explore the rich cultural heritage and experiences of the African diaspora.

Located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, CA, USA, our event promises to be a hub of creativity and inspiration. As you step into the cathedral, you'll be immersed in a captivating atmosphere, surrounded by the works of talented and visionary artists. From paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media, each piece tells a unique story and invites you to engage in thought-provoking conversations.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a collector, or simply curious about the power of black art, this event offers an opportunity to appreciate and support the incredible talent within our community. Connect with fellow art lovers, engage with the artists themselves, and perhaps even find that perfect piece to add to your own collection.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary event that celebrates the beauty, resilience, and diversity of black art. Mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by the Black Art Auction at St John's Episcopal Cathedral.

Featured Artist:

 Tony Concep’

Anthony Christopher Brown Jr., known as Tony Concep’ is A multidimensional artist and designer born in New Orleans, L.A. raised in Charleston S.C. Tony earned his BFA in film animation from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. He is a trained Illustrator, Creative Director, and a Visual artist producing works that center around iconic portraits with a mixed media street art aesthetic. 

Currently residing in the Greater San Diego area, Tony has developed a language unlike any other. He merges social political ideas with textures, patterns, and typography, blending imagery from his childhood and life experiences. Tony began a signature style of art expressed as “trapart” in 2011 focused on engaging kids from the inner city to empower them to think positively about their environment and how art can inspire them to pursue their dreams through varied mural projects and art collectives. 

Tony was able to present his work to the First Lady Michelle Obama on her guided tour of works featured at the New Museum, NY, and he has also been featured in a publications like Vice, Fader magazine, among others and worked with the MTV networks, Nike, Adidas, Fast Company, Beats By Dre, Marithe Francois Girbaud, and a list of apparel brands from streetart to branding. Tony is currently creating large format mixed media paintings for a new solo show effort along with producing NFT's and Ai. generated works in the Web3 space.

Chris Rocket

Christopher “Rocket” Descartes is a Caribbean American Artist. Brooklyn born, currently residing in Los Angeles where he has been producing a wide array of works focused more on the materials and created textures of the physical works as well as dialogue that come along with it to illuminate his subject. Sharing his abstract perspective of American culture through sculpture, painting, and story....

Start a conversation…..

 @chris_rocket_

For further information about Chris Rocket’s work and studio visits email ChrisRocket42@gmail.com

Richard McKinley

Richard grew up in St. Louis, Mo. watching his father building model homes samples. Like him, I love to do assemblage/collage art work. Instead of Richard focusing on homes he chose to focus on current events or what has happened in our big world.  

Richard’s First art show was at the Painting Brain Center. He attended courses at Otis design college, San Francisco community college, and several workshops at CAAM,LACMA, and the Watts Towers. Currently he resides in Los Angeles, California

(Listed from left to right)

11. Name: Generation Family II Joe Year: 2023 Dimensions: "9x11" Medium: Mixed Media, Paper

12. Name: Generation II Year: 2023 Dimensions: "10x13" Medium: Mixed Media, Paper

13. Name: Generation III Year: 2023 Dimensions: "9x9" Medium: Mixed Media, Paper

14. Name: Generation Family I Claude Year: 2023 Dimensions: "8x8" Medium: Mixed Media, Paper

Starr Campbell

Starr Campbell is a Canadian-African American model, entrepreneur, and marketer who has overcome a life-changing injury and pursued her passions in various fields.  Starr moved to New York at age seven and became an international model for Fashion Fair cosmetics at age 15. She traveled the world, studied literature at Vassar, worked for Bloomingdale’s, won a Baywatch contest, and starred in national commercials. She also studied journalism at UCLA, interned at UPI, and launched her own marketing and PR firm, Starr Media Group. After a horrific accident left her with a facial scar, she found peace and courage in her recovery. She then opened three successful soul food restaurants in LA and became the head of marketing and strategy in Africa, where she promotes tourism, social causes, and economic development. Starr Campbell is a remarkable woman who embodies beauty, resilience, and creativity. She previously appeared as one of Barker's Beauties on The Price is Right during it's 32nd and 33rd seasons.

Starr Campbell, a polymath of passion and resilience, wove her culinary, artistic, and entrepreneurial talents into a vibrant tapestry. After losing her mother in 2017, she found solace in the garden, where she nurtured both her crops and her soul. She shared her earth-to-plate connection with the world through her Instagram handle, @wildfruitstarr, and her stunning photography and videos of nature’s bounty. Her restaurants, Mama Soul Food, BabyBackJane Ribs and Soul Food, and Gee and Jane Soul Food, became LA’s flavor buzz, serving up dishes that celebrated her heritage and her creativity.. Starr Campbell is a visionary who embodies flavor, beauty, and growth.

(Listed from left to right)

15. Name: Dream, Year: 2023, Dimensions: "10x10", Medium: Framed Print

16. Name: Peace, Year: 2023, Dimensions: "10x10", Medium: Framed Print

17. Name: Besotted, Year: 2023, Dimensions: 30x30, Medium: Print

18. Name: WOW, Roses Year: 2023, Dimensions: "10x10", Medium: Print

19. Name: Just Be, Year: 2023, Dimensions: "10x10", Medium: Print

20. Name: Hello, Year: 2023, Dimensions: "10x10", Medium: Framed Print

Khaliyfah Al-Aswani

Khaliyfah Al-Aswani is a talented artist and native of Los Angeles County. With African-Egyptian American heritage, his artistic vision is deeply influenced by his cultural background and personal experiences. Khaliyfah's passion for art is evident in his thought-provoking and visually captivating works.

One of his notable creations is "The Last Supper" painting, which draws inspiration directly from the description found in the Bible, specifically Revelations. Through meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for symbolism, Khaliyfah brings this iconic scene to life, capturing the essence of the moment with reverence and authenticity.

In addition to his biblical-inspired artwork, Khaliyfah's painting titled "A Soldier's Journey" showcases his interest in history and the rich heritage of the Dahomey warriors of West Africa. This particular piece shines a spotlight on the fearless female warriors of the region, highlighting their strength, courage, and significant contributions to their society. Through his art, Khaliyfah aims to shed light on often overlooked narratives and celebrate the diversity and resilience of different cultures.

Khaliyfah Al-Aswani's artistic style combines skillful technique with a deep understanding of the subject matter. His works not only captivate the viewer visually but also invite contemplation and reflection. With each brushstroke, he strives to convey powerful messages and evoke emotions that resonate with his audience.

As an artist, Khaliyfah continues to explore various themes and subjects, constantly pushing the boundaries of his creativity. His dedication to his craft and his ability to tell compelling stories through his artwork make him a rising star in the art world.

Whether it be through his biblical interpretations or his exploration of historical narratives, Khaliyfah Al-Aswani's art serves as a testament to his talent, cultural heritage, and his commitment to creating meaningful and impactful pieces that inspire and provoke thought.

Mary Harris

Through her explorations in portraiture, Mary captures those “who deserve recognition… those who inspire me and whose stories beg to be told.” Whether she’s creating a quick sketch or a more intensive piece, Mary appreciates the intimacy and catharsis that unfolds between artist and subject. “I feel a spiritual connection to what I paint,” she explains. “I become a conduit for sharing, authenticity, and vulnerability through creative expression. Together, we experience the purity of simply being present.”

While Mary celebrates connection and community through visual art, her inner world shines through her accomplishments as an acoustic soul singer-songwriter. She honed her vocal talent in celebration of faith, singing gospel in church as a child. From there, “I began to express my deepest truth through music,” she recalls. Mary creates each song from a space of raw self reflection. Her rich, velvety vocals tell stories of heartbreak, self-realization, and lessons hard-learned. “By exposing my truth, I hope to encourage others to connect with theirs as well.” 

(Listed from left to right)

23. Name: In His Image, Year: 2020, Dimensions: 16" x 20", Medium: Acrylic on Wood (SOLD- Available for prints only)

24. Name: Cryptic Release, 002 Year: 2022-23, Dimensions: 24" x 48", Medium: Mixed Medium

25. Name: Coffee Time, Year: 2023, Dimensions: 16" x 20", Medium: Oil on Cotton

26. Name: La Rochelle, Year: 2014, Dimensions: 24" x 30", Medium: Mixed Medium

27. Name: Afro European, Year: 2019, Dimensions: 24" x 24", Medium: pencil, acrylic on cotton canvas

28. Name: Black Voyage, Year: 2022, Dimensions: 24 "x 24", Medium: Oil on Cotton Canvas (SOLD- Available for prints only)

Arnaya Needleman

 Arnaya Needleman is a self-taught artist born in Boston (1989), who now resides in Los Angeles. In 2020, she left her corporate job and began painting in 2021. Arnaya received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and her Master’s in Vicimolgy, which has allotted her the tools to educate the communities in which she lived, on social justice issues and education reform. Because of this foundational knowledge, along with her passion for people, she continues to infuse those perspectives into her art, solely based on humanity–-all the good and bad that it entails.In her practice, Arnaya uses acrylic paint, along with other mediums to create rich textures and colors, on both canvas and discarded wood. Arnaya’s art evokes emotion in its purest form while creating a dialogue with the viewer. 

Her process of making art reminds her that art is imperfect, as it is a reflection of the human experience- imperfect, flawed, and often messy. She finds beauty in it all.

(Listed from left to right)

29. Name: Lost Art of Communication, Date: 2023, Dimensions: 16" x 20", Medium: Acrylic paint, spray paint on canvas 

30. Name: When It Makes You Feel Alive, Date: 2024, Dimensions: 18" x 24" Medium: Acrylic paint, Oil pastels, Soft charcoal on canvas

31. Name: Activism, Date: 2024, Dimensions: 18" x 24"  Medium: Acrylic paint, Oil pastels, Soft charcoal on canvas

32. Name: Dear Iris, Date: 2024, Dimensions: 18" x 24" Medium: Acrylic paint, Oil pastel, Soft charcoal on canvas

33. Name: Fuel of Miscommunication, Date: 2023, Dimensions: 18" x 24" Medium: Acrylic paint, Oil pastel, Soft charcoal on canvas

34. Name: Boomerang #2, Date: 2023, Dimensions: 12" x 16", Medium: Mixed Media on canvas

Phree Hester

Meet PHREE Hester, a versatile creative force with a passion for art, design, and community building. As an artist, fashion designer, and architect, Phree leaves an indelible mark wherever creativity takes him. Featured in notable outlets like Sports Illustrated and Complex Magazine, his innovative work has caught the eye of diverse audiences around the world. From collaborating with The Hoopbus and NBA projects to being recognized by major publications, PHREE’s journey is a testament to the power of artistic expression and community impact that transcends boundaries. Join us in exploring his journey through the fusion of creativity and community building that defines his trailblazing path of Artivisim.

Warner Traynham

I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1936. I attended the Baltimore Public Schools, Dartmouth College, Oxford University and The Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. For eighteen years I was the rector of St. John's, L.A. which is now the Cathedral of the Diocese, and for a subsequent eighteen years I have been retired. I took classes in drawing in Boston, Massachusetts, and at West L.A. College in this city. Painting, I picked up along the way. I am a self-taught painter, something I have done throughout my ministry. I tell people that painting is a kind of therapy for me. In ministry, you are not always certain of your impact. With painting, when you put the pigment on canvas or board, the feedback is immediate. Either it looks the way you want, or it does not. In which case you can continue, or wipe it out and begin again, until you get it to look the way you want - or accept the accident and incorporate it in your vision.I began doing representational paintings, like the "Icon of the Black Christ, and now as you see, I am mostly doing abstractions. My abstractions derive sometimes from the things I see, but mostly from my imagination. With abstractions, I call myself a colorist. I expect this exhibit will make it clear why.

Donald White Jr

I am an abstract, self-taught artist who is learning new techniques and uses different mediums and coming up with ideas through trial and error. I have always been inspired by graffiti and the black book artwork. I officially started painting in 2020. I started by going to Santa Monica with my artwork and then gradually started going to different places in LA; Hollywood, Melrose, Downtown LA and other random places throughout the city. I transport all my artwork in my car, setting up in different locations to paint. The last year I have been dedicated to working on painting in public in the streets of LA and which challenges me to try new techniques and influences my styles.

Being outside doing artwork gives me a chance to express myself with people and the public while also inspiring others. I really like to use a variety of bright colors and choose the colors that feel right to me. This sparks creativity in me and I am inspired by the sights, sounds, and even people that I interact with while out creating my art.

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