Celebrations

Derrick Adams, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, Mickalene Thomas, Stephanie J. Woods

January 9–February 22
Reception: Friday, February 7, 6–8 pm

Press Release

Richard Levy Gallery presents Celebrations, a dynamic group exhibition featuring four renowned Black artists whose works explore identity, joy, and cultural pride through color, pattern, and textiles.  This exhibition commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and Black History month.

Derrick Adams work is centered around Black joy with signature motifs that relate to fashion, hairstyles, textiles, and social interactions.

Yinka Shonibare CBE RA features endangered birds to symbolize African empowerment. Shonibare’s tactile prints, characterized by large fields of color and intricate patterns, are reminiscent of stained glass.

Mickalene Thomas creates opulent portraits of Black women, blending photography, painting, and collage to challenge historical and contemporary representations of Black femininity and power. Her work redefines beauty and strength through its rich textures and vibrant compositions.

Stephanie J. Woods celebrates her cultural heritage by incorporating hand-dyed fabrics and elaborate headdresses into her colorful photographs. These dynamic compositions highlight the role of pattern and material in preserving and celebrating her culture.

Each of the artists in Celebrations has exhibited widely in prestigious international venues, solidifying their role as leading figures in contemporary art. Derrick Adams was recently featured in a solo exhibition at Gagosian New York, who also presented his work at Frieze Seoul. Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s work was showcased in the Contemporary Nucleus at the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale. Mickalene Thomas’ 2024 retrospective, All About Love, debuted at The Broad Museum and will travel to other venues worldwide. Stephanie J. Woods’ recent solo exhibition the genius of play exhibited at Kent State University. Stephanie J. Woods, an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico, lives and works in Albuquerque, where she continues to explore her cultural heritage through photography and textiles.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @levygallery #richardlevygallery #celebrations @derrickadamsny @yinkashonibarestudio @mickalenethomas @stephaniej.woods

Dates: January 9–February 22, 2025
Reception: Friday, February 7, 6–8 pm
Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 11 am–4 pm or by appointment
Location: 514 Central Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Contact: 505.766.9888, info@levygallery.com, www.levygallery.com @levygallery