Amani Lewis: It’s from the light that we are found, blessed and guided

The show unveils a series of 12 new mixed media paintings that depict the artist’s close friends, family, and loved ones in prismatic compositions. These large-scale portraits mark the final installment of Lewis’ community focused body of work, ongoing since the beginning of career. An example from this series will also be on view in the gallery’s booth at the inaugural edition of Paris+ par Art Basel.

“It’s from the light that we are found, blessed and guided” is Lewis’ response to the instability of a period marked by tumult and tragedy—relating to the global pandemic, gun violence, racism, and human rights atrocities. Actively rebutting the divisiveness of our current moment, their work demonstrates a steadfast commitment to collectivity and the need to establish roots in the face of cultural and political upheaval. Centering people of color in their work, Lewis seeks to address preconceptions surrounding Blackness and to subvert entrenched notions of historically oppressed communities. The artist employs a vivid palette to encase their subjects amongst abstract color fields and scintillating backdrops, echoing the sense of safety that Lewis finds within their community and reflecting the need to protect and feel protected.