Christie’s presents the second edition of “Say It Loud: Visionaries of Self” from August 5 to August 19. In partnership with curator Destinee Ross-Sutton, the “Say It Loud” series continues to provide a platform to celebrate Black artists and their distinct perspectives and narratives.
Showcasing talents include Nelson Makamo, Khari Turner, Joshua Michael Adokuru, Isshaq Ismail, and The Love Child, alongside a new selection of 17 emerging and established artists such as Johnson Eziefula, Jon Key, Adegboyega Adesina, Milo Matthieu, Hebru Brantley, and Zanele Muholi. This group of artists collectively represents a rich diversity of individual voices, creative practices, and cultural and social experiences.
Joshua Michael Adokuru, “Untitled Portrait of boy 1,” 24 x 24in. Courtesy to the artist and Christie’s.
Johnson Eziefula, “Gloria’s Trip to Paris,” 2021, acrylic and charcoal on canvas, 44 ¾ x 35 ½ in. Courtesy to the artist and Christie’s.
“I am excited to share with you the second iteration of Say It Loud, my collaboration with Christie’s highlighting voices in art from the African diaspora. Continuing the contextualization of this narrative allows us to explore the momentum created with last year’s show—yet, with a focus on the artists’ humanity and perspectives, elevating it beyond the potential “constraints” of the concept of Blackness (for better or for worse!),” said Ross-Sutton. “In turn, this view of Self centers the artist. As we do better in leveling the playing field, the importance of living artists being given the space to safely explore the full scope of their humanity in multiple aspects becomes paramount. Black Artists exist beyond and in some cases in spite of their Blackness.”
Malike Sidibe, “Please Stop the Violence,” 2021, C-print on Luster surface paper, 38 7/8 x 49 1/8 in. Courtesy to the artist and Christie’s.
Khari Turner, “Breathing Is My Occupation,” 2021, acrylic, oil, charcoal, sand, ocean water, Milwaukee river water, Lake Michigan water and water from southern Manhattan harbor on canvas, 60 x 60 in. Courtesy to the artist and Christie’s.
The exhibition includes 32 works displayed at Christie’s New York galleries, as well as in an online auction format. All proceeds will go directly to the artists and their representatives where a portion will go toward funding the Black Artist Collective, a foundation founded by Ross-Sutton that helps promote and support in particular young and emerging African and LGTBQ+ artists of color. The exhibition is accompanied by a series of programming hosted by Christie’s Education department.
“We’re delighted to be launching the second iteration of Say It Loud in partnership with visionary curator Destinee Ross-Sutton, using the Christie’s space and global reach to showcase the work of exceptional Black artists exploring individuality and perception,” said Celine Cunha, Founder and Co-Chairman of CSR Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Christie’s. “It was imperative that an uncensored platform be offered to optimize creative expression, and that the artists be empowered to frame their own representation.”
Adegboyega Adesina, “Portrait of Gilchrist,” 2021, mixed media on canvas, 40 x 33in. Courtesy to the artist and Christie’s.
Nelson Makamo, “Untitled,” 2019, charcoal, acrylic and pastel on Belgian linen. Courtesy to the artist and Christie’s.
