Thu 10/17 @ 5-7:30PM
East Cleveland artist Darius Steward is starting to get the recognition he deserves with numerous shows (and participation in group shows) in the past five years at significant galleries such as the Maria Neil Art Project, Tregoning and Co. and the former William Busta Gallery. Currently he’s part of the exhibit America’s Well-Armed Militia at SPACES, and his first show at Playhouse Square’s Bonfoey Gallery, featuring watercolors primarily of his two children, has been extended through Sat 10/26.
The 35-year old artist, a Cleveland Institute of Art (BFA) and University of Delaware (MFA) graduate, draws on his own experience growing up as black man in a rough neighborhood to create his watercolors which prominently feature young black boys, whom he’s said are stand-ins for himself. What’s special about them is how he places them in the frame, using empty space as a dynamic element to express power or lack of it, struggle, oppression, anxiety, hope and more, adding another layer of meaning to the figures’ expressions and positions.
The gallery will host a conversation with Steward; it’s free and open to the public.
Cleveland, OH 44114