Haven't You Heard? Harlem's on My Mind - Exhibition Opening

Title: Haven't You Heard? Harlem's on My Mind

Artist: Robert L. Newman III

Duration: February 1 - February 28, 2025

Venue: Artfullwalls Fine Art Gallery, Harlem, New York

Curatorial Vision:
Robert L. Newman III, a Harlem-based visionary in visual arts and director of Artfullwalls Fine Art Gallery, brings forth an introspective exhibit this February, titled "Haven't You Heard? Harlem's on My Mind." The exhibition showcases a pivotal solo journey that maps Newman’s artistic sojourn from the South to the illustrious energy and creativity of Harlem.

Drawing profound inspiration from the legendary Romare Bearden, Newman recreates vivid narratives that echo the intellectual, social, and artistic explosion of the Harlem Renaissance era through contemporary eyes. The works displayed are a mix of homage and evolution, bringing historical frameworks into the current dialogue about cultural identity, community resilience, and artistic expression within the African American community in Harlem.

Exhibition Highlights:

1. Legacy in Layers - A series of collage pieces that invoke Bearden’s technique while incorporating modern mediums and Newman’s unique iconography.
2. Southern Roots, Northern Soil - Paintings that depict Newman’s geographical and emotional journey from the South to Harlem.
3. Revival Dialogues - Interactive multimedia installations where viewers can engage with the themes of the Harlem Renaissance as they relate to today's social climate.
4. The Renaissance Reimagined - A space dedicated to large-scale portraits of contemporary Harlem residents styled in the fashion and poise of 1920s icons.

Additional Programming:

• Meet the Artist Sessions: Every Saturday, engage directly with Robert L. Newman III as he discusses his influences, techniques, and personal stories.
• Community Art Workshops: Weekly workshops throughout February that invite the local community to create in the spirit of the original Harlem Renaissance, facilitated by guest artists.
• Panel Discussions: A series of talks featuring historians, artists, and community leaders to discuss the significance of the Harlem Renaissance today and its influence on current art and culture.

Artist Statement:
"In 'Haven’t You Heard? Harlem's on My Mind,' I explore the deeply interconnected stories of a migration that molded me, the cultural haven that is Harlem, and the people who continue to define its brilliance. Inspired by Romare Bearden, I aim to weave the rich tapestries of history with the vibrant threads of today, ensuring that the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance not only endures but evolves."

This exhibit not only retraces the steps of a transformative artistic and cultural movement but also serves as a space for reflection, creation, and dialogue about the future of African American cultural identity in the arts. Join Robert L. Newman III in a month-long celebration of history, identity, and culture this February at Artfullwalls Fine Art Gallery.

Host or Publisher Robert L. Newman III