“OF THE FANTASTIC: EXTRAORDINARY ATL”

Exhibition Curated by Lauren Jackson Harris

June 1 – July 31, 2022

Curator Statement from Lauren Jackson Harris:

There’s a depth to Atlanta that most miss by looking past its richness. As an Atlanta native, I see the underbelly of creative energy in a city being overrun by fabricated personas, grandiose stunting and the ever-mounting effects of gentrification. Atlanta has artists that produce work intrinsic to their communities, whether native or long-time residents. The exhibition, Of the Fantastic: Extraordinary ATL, will feature artists whose work is ethereal, yet layered in emotion and context. The fantastical elements in each of the works selected provide a look into the Atlanta artist's mind and offer underlying sentiments into their various cultures, ideals, and dynamics. The images draw viewers in with curiosity by seemingly being indistinct or obtuse in nature, but also holding a gentleness of reliability and ease. Living in the fantastic is whimsical in thought and we all could use a little of that these days...

Featured Artists: Chloe Alexander, Chiomma Hall, Lewinale Havette, Melissa Huang, Horace Imhotep, Emily Mann, Kristian Melom, Ato Ribeiro, José Ibarra Rizo, Timothy Short, and Aineki Traverso.

Producers:
Curated by Lauren Jackson Harris. Presented by Arts & Entertainment Atlanta in partnership with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and Orange Barrel Media. Project support provided by Dashboard. Artwork varies by screen.