Breaking barriers and misconceptions about race through art: these are the goals of the Fresh Perspective Art Collective – an art group comprised entirely of African American men.
Their exhibit at the Overture Center Playhouse Gallery until Feb. 28 not only showcases the visual and performing art of the collective, but also attempts to leave an impact on the audience.
Willy Lamar, the curator and an artist of the collective, explained the group’s motivations as fighting back against the lack of African American representation in the art world.“If you go to a lot of art shows, they are primarily Caucasian. We want to give the African American an opportunity to showcase their work that they may not receive otherwise,” Lamar said.
What is then even more impressive about the collective is that it is comprised entirely of members who make art in their spare time and balance their passion with other full-time professions.
The collective formed primarily through word of mouth as each member at one point reached out to Lamar hoping to join the collective and break out of their “dormant artistic shell,” as Lamar put it.
In addition, the collective also offers its members workshops purposed toward polishing their ability to showcase their art.
“We really are trying to open the doors for these African American men and break down the barriers of race in the artistic world,” Lamar explained.
The group also hopes that their exhibit at the Overture Center will be just the beginning, and that potential clients will notice their work and give the individual artists the opportunity to showcase their work further.
With a variety of artists and artistic styles, there is something for everybody to enjoy and appreciate at this unique and very important event.
The collective provides the city of Madison with a fresh perspective of many new artists who have not received their due publicity in the past. The event will finally allow the artistic voices of the members of the collective to be heard through the art they have created.
