David Leggett: Black Drawls
@ Gallery 400
400 S Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
Opening Friday, November 4th, from 5PM - 8PM
On view through Saturday, December 17th
Please join us for the opening reception of David Leggett’s solo exhibition Black Drawls. This first large-scale presentation of artwork by Chicago-based David Leggett includes paintings, drawings, ceramic sculptures, wall decals, and installations that challenge hierarchies of taste and power in art and popular culture. Drawing on a rich legacy of humor and satire created by forefigures such as painter Robert Colescott, and comedians Robin Harris and Richard Pryor, Leggett tackles many themes head on: race, racism, art history, popular culture, hip-hop, political movements, and sexuality, among others.
Utilizing the surfaces of his paintings and drawings as an empty plane onto which he drops a series of iconic and intertwined references, Leggett layers juxtapositions that are funny, absurd, and cuttingly poignant. These references come in the form of witty caption-like text, illustrated figures, collaged images, and abstract shapes, and are often accompanied by the use of craft materials such as glow-in-the-dark paint, googly eyes, and glitter.
The exhibition also includes a gallery of references, sources, and influences, including historic and recent comic book pages and cartoon stills; artworks by artistic forebearers; classic and obscure films of black comedians’ routines; photographs; items of clothing; Leggett’s collection of popular culture figurines and stuffed toys.
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Tags: Black Drawls, Chicago, David Leggett, Gallery 400, near west side
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