Transcending all Artistic Boundaries in Oakland

Oakland, California is home to a wealth of alternative, underground, and culturally progressive artists. During Black History Month, Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland, Calif. gives us a powerful look at the creative present and future of art from the African Diaspora with two well-established artists, Keba Konte and eesuu. In their upcoming exhibit, Together We Survive: The Human Condition" both artists explore cultural, social, political and artistic messages behind the meanings within the Diaspora through photomontage and sculpture.

Oakland, CA (PRWEB) February 3, 2005 -- They are cutting-edge in their use of diverse media - fearless and brilliant in the vision they bring to their craft. In a joint exhibit, Together We Survive: The Human Condition, visual artists Keba Konte and eesuu bring their respective soul-stirring and inspiring works in photomontage and sculpture to the Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland, California. The opening reception for this joint exhibit will take place from 5:30 to 8:00pm on February 3, 2005 at the Joyce Gordon Gallery. Their exhibit will run from February 3, 2005-- March 30, 2005.

Joyce Gordon Gallery has been an avid supporter of the diverse talent of established and rising Bay Area artists. With this exhibit, Konte and eesuu join an intriguing collection of Gallery artists, whose art forms are gaining national international recognition; Joyce Gordon Gallery has the exclusive honor of presenting select Bay Area artists at the Sundance Film Festival 2005.

Keba Kontes works explore the socio-political aspects of the African Diaspora. He describes his art as ...emotions for which I have no language." The multi- dimensional artist assembles surfaces of salvaged wood, furniture parts, copper and other materials rich in texture and history. He then paints, burns and distresses these materials and finally imbues his own photographic images into the surfaces in order to create multi-layered works of art. Konte is considered a pioneer in this photo technique and has received international recognition for his unique pieces. My process is more intuitive, less conceptual. I utilize fire, water, oil, and hand and power tools." His influences are as diverse as his travels, his family, his activism, and intellectual pursuits. A well-established artist, Kontes works have been displayed in the National Civil Rights Museum, the Smithsonian Institute in D.C. and the Retina Galerie in Amsterdam.

eesuus sculptures have found homes with an impressive list of clients including John Burris, Lauren Hill and Erykah Badu. A phenomenal painter for eleven years and highly skilled Shona-style sculptor for five, eesuus art speaks to broad perspectives in African and African-American experiences - all intelligent, provocative and graceful in their messages and imagery. In this exhibit, he presents what he calls Afro-ghetto soul" sculptures, My art [intends to be beautiful and attractive, harsh and cold, rich textured, smooth and refined." eesuu describes his pieces as visual music" influenced by the likes of Basquiat, Picasso, Curtis Mayfield, and Gladys Knight. His captivating artistic visions are equally enriched by his African-American, Barbadian, Irish, and German roots.

For further details about the opening reception for Keba Konte and eesuu or for general gallery information, please contact Joyce Gordon; 510-465-8928 or 510-465-8998. Joyce Gordon Gallery is located at 406 14th St., Oakland, Calif.

About Joyce Gordon Gallery

The Joyce Gordon Gallery, located in the downtown district in Oakland, California, reflects the social and cultural diversity of Bay Area and international artists. The aim of the gallery is to respect the creative pursuits of the individual. The 5,000 square feet gallery is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 11am -- 8pm. The gallery is also available by appointment for private events and showings.

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