Christian Padron (MFA Photo ’17) in A Foothold on the Rocks at Equity Gallery

A Foothold on the Rocks: The Indelible Legacies of Jacob and Gwendolyn KnightLawrence

February 3 – 27, 2016

Equity Gallery, 245 Broome Street, New York, NY 10002

Opening Reception: Wednesday, February 3, 6-8pm

In celebration of Black History Month, Equity Gallery and Harlem Arts Festival are pleased to announce A Foothold on the Rocks: The Indelible Legacies of Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence, a group exhibition of new work that reflects the enduring artistic contributions of Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence. The exhibition features paintings, prints, textile, sculpture and film. Artists Equity was founded in 1947 by over 160 leading American artists to promote opportunities for visual artists and to address business and economic issues affecting them. The Lawrences were active members of Artists Equity from the beginning and Jacob Lawrence served as President of the organization in the 1950s. Equity Gallery, Artists Equity’s non-profit art space on the Lower East Side, was made possible through a gift by the Lawrences.

A Foothold on the Rocks presents original works from artists engaging with the Lawrences’ memory and aesthetic. In keeping with the Lawrences’ influence, Tania L. Balan-Gaubert, Tiffany Latrice and Christian Padron explore the use of narrative to document and preserve historical memory, celebrate identity and engage with cultural representation. Danielle Friedman, Freida Hoyett, Lance Johnson and Bryce Zackery investigate figuration, graphic forms, subjective perspective and critical realism, important aspects of the Lawrences’ works. Shannon Berry and David Vades Joseph explore gentrification, space and community in Harlem and the Lower East Side.

For more information visit: http://www.nyartistsequity.org/a-foothold-on-the-rocks