In celebration of Black History Month, Kindred Arts in collaboration with the 10th Council District will kick off the Monumental Tour, a traveling public art exhibition, empowering social change through the works of African American artists.
The exhibit will highlight several acclaimed artists such as Arthur Jafa, Coby Kennedy, Christopher Myers, and Hank Willis Thomas whose works will be primarily placed in South Los Angeles, across the 10th Council District.
Situated on carefully-considered public sites, the works call attention to each artist’s distinct visual voice and honor and examine aspects of the African American experience. From the first slaves brought over in the 16th-century to the present day prison industrial complex and the struggle for liberation in the years since, the sculptures invite viewers to consider themes such as colonization, oppression, privilege, Black middle-class labor, the decline of industry, Black pride, Black power, and subjugation.
Each work creates an invitation to learn about and connect with a narrative or era they may not have endured personally, but one which continues to impact the African American experience.
The exhibit will launch on Feb. 12 and remain on display through May 2022, at four locations: “All Power to the People” by Hank Willis Thomas will be located at Leimert Park Plaza; “Caliban’s Hands” by Christopher Myers will be located at Benny Potter Park; “Big Wheel IV” by Arthur Jafa will be located at Nate Holden Performing Arts Center; and “The Box” by Colby Kennedy will be located at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy.
For more information, please visit: www.monumentaltour.org.