The Norwalk Art Space is delighted to open its newest exhibition on Thursday, July 22, 2021, “A Dialogue in Styles, Jahmane and Adger Cowans.”
Jahmane and Adger Cowens in the studio
— an announcement from The Norwalk Art Space
This exhibit encompasses multiple decades of evolutionary work from two premier Connecticut artists, Adger Cowans and The Norwalk Art Space’s Korry Fellow Jahmane.
Deeply rooted in social commentary, abstraction, bold experimentation, and the ability to explore concepts beyond traditional “Black Art,” this exhibition presents an intimate view into the creative worlds of two accomplished artists.
Although generationally separated, Jahmane’s and Cowan’s work share common threads that complement each other as if created on simultaneous timelines.
The range of subject matter, medium, and technique demonstrate each artist’s ability to translate diverse concepts into newfound works of art ranging from graffiti, fashion, graphic design, cultural iconography, and murals in Jahmane’s case and photography, textiles, and painting for Adger.
Contributed photo
“Water (Duke Delivers)” by Adger Cowans
Each has their unique voice for the era in which they come from, but both have an endless sense of exploration that pushes boundaries in our civic discourse but also as curious artistic minds.
“We were very excited that Jahmane joined us as a Korry Fellow and mentor in our inaugural year, and after speaking to him about our mission, it was apparent that getting Adger Cowans to exhibit with him would make perfect sense.
By doing so, we introduce the public and our students to another layer of expertise in the arts. This exhibit sets the tone for our upcoming multigenerational Korry Fellow exhibitions and will help inform our programming and student outreach” said Artistic and Educational Director, Duvian Montoya
Contributed image
Poison Particle by Jahmane
Jahmane’s career as an artist began in the form of “Graffiti” and has evolved into a wide spectrum of mediums including works on canvas, photography, fashion design, screen printing, graphic design, large scale murals and interior design.
With years of formal training and living through his art, Jahmane has developed a unique style that combines social awareness, spirituality, mythology and abstract language in a way that intrigues all who view his work.
Adger Cowans, a fine arts photographer and abstract expressionist painter, has experimented with a myriad of mediums over his artistic career.
Renowned in the world of photography and fine art, his works have been shown by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, International Museum of Photography, Museum of Modern Art, The Studio Museum of Harlem, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Harvard Fine Art Museum, Detroit Art Institute, James E. Lewis Museum, The Whitney Museum and numerous other art institutions.
Cowans was awarded the Lorenzo il Magnifico alla Carriera in recognition of a Distinguished Career at the 2001 Florence Biennale of Contemporary Art. He is the recipient of a John Hay Whitney Fellowship and the Martin Luther King Jr., Caesar Chavez, Rosa Parks Visiting Scholars Award, Wayne State University.
Contributed image
“Cracktonite” by Jahmane
Opening Reception July 22, 5 to 9 p.m., with beats by DJ Groove Seven 5 to 7 p.m. and live Latin Jazz and Dance Ensemble, Congabop from 7 to 9 p.m..
Artist Talk + Q and A with Jahmane and Adgers, July 25, 1 to 3 p.m.
“Reconstructing the Narrative” workshop with Korry Fellow Jahmane, Sunday August 8, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Regular exhibition hours Wednesdays to Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Norwalk Art Space, 455 West Ave., Norwalk; 203-252-2840.
Korry Fellows
The Norwalk Art Space’s Korry fellows were selected following a highly competitive process in order to activate our space and fill our walls with outstanding local art. Korry Fellows will each curate a five-week exhibition in our main gallery, and will work with the Resident Artists on their class curricula.
They will also provide mentorship, workshops and educational opportunities to our students and the public at large. Each year we will award five Korry Fellowships to distinguished local artists, with candidates selected under the guidance of our Selection Committee.
Criteria for selection include the artist’s body of work to date, demonstrated talent and excellence, potential for growth through a Korry Fellowship, aptitude for mentorship and teaching, ability to activate the Space, reputation in the community and interest in working with youth.
Education
Free after-school art classes will be available to select underserved high school students, starting in September 2021.
Classes will be held during the school term from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m., meeting once a week.
Summer classes in collaboration with The Carver Center, see website for details.
All art classes and workshops will be taught by our Resident Artists under the direction of our Educational Directors, Duvian Montoya and Darcy Hicks.
In addition to our art classes, we will offer free music classes to select high school musicians on Saturday mornings, starting in September 2021. Our music classes will be taught by our Musical Director, David DeJesus.
If you would like to be considered for admission into any of our classes, you can register and apply though our website www.thenorwalkartspace.org
Sculpture Garden Ongoing Exhibition
Our sculpture garden, curated by Yvonne Shortt, is intended to be a dynamic link between The Norwalk Art Space museum and the adjoining community. The garden aims to inspire interaction and conversation in an artistic, welcoming environment.
We have one permanent sculpture and three rotating sculptures which will change every two years. There will be public programming associated with each piece and around public art in general, as well as educational programs offering hands-on learning. The sculptures exhibited for our opening year include:
- A permanent sculpture by Connecticut-based artist, Gilbert Boro, titled “After the Race III”, which evokes memories of sailing on Long Island Sound.
- Curator Yvonne Shortt’s “Afro Pick: Don’t Go, Don’t Grow,” which draws from her own experiences as both a mother and a daughter. It depicts a moment of transition; of taking ownership and letting go. It does so using an afro pick base, an object with a rich 5,500 cultural history.
- Yves Franciois Wilson’s “Janus of the Hollow,” which documents the artist’s grandfather’s journey from serving as a young Marine in South Carolina to working as one of the first black foremen at a shipyard in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
- Resident Artist Emily Teall’s “Tulip Bulb,” which draws on natural imagery of bulbs and wombs to evoke a gestation period in which the visitor can grow through introspection and reflection before emerging into the community.
Contributed image
“Icarus” by Adger Cowans
About The Norwalk Art Space, ADK House, and our Founder
The Norwalk Art Space was founded and built by Alexandra Davern Korry (1959-2020), a trailblazing M&A lawyer, educator, civil rights advocate, and philanthropist.
Alexandra’s goals in creating and funding The Norwalk Art Space were to enhance opportunities and equity in the local arts community by promoting local artists, offering free educational opportunities to underserved students, and providing the public a beautiful, welcoming space to enjoy art and music.
Our building, ADK House, which was named for Alexandra, includes a museum, sculpture garden and studios for artists, as well as a classroom and workspaces for students. Our museum, music events and classes will be open to the public free of charge.
About Our Cafe
Our Art Space Cafe is a destination for museum visitors, artists and students. It will be operated by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Bill Taibe and his team — Andrea Dinan, Caitlin McGowan and Kelly Clement.
The Cafe will offer carefully crafted coffees, teas, pastries and lite fare. Inspired by Alexandra’s vision, it will highlight local culinary artisans and their products. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday 9am-4pm.
The Norwalk Art Space is located in ADK House at 455 West Ave., Norwalk.
For more information on our exhibits, classes, music, cafe and more visit www.thenorwalkartspace.org or email info@thenorwalkartspace.org
Hours of operation:
Wednesday – Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday – Closed
Cafe Hours
Wednesday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday – Closed
Additional Parking at 370 West Ave. and at Mathews Park