The Getty Museum partnered with four local nonprofits to teach multigenerational artists photography inspired by Getty's current exhibition, Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems: In Dialogue. Over several months the Black Image Center, Inner-City Arts, LA Commons and Venice Arts worked closely with over sixty artists to create the resulting works on view. These photographers have come together from different neighborhoods, diverse backgrounds, and at various levels of their artistic experience to present meaningful work that speaks to and of their communities. Following in the footsteps of Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems, this creative collaboration has inspired a new generation of socially-committed artists.
Meet our teaching artist from our Fremont and Leimert sites:
Fremont-
Delaney George is a New Orleans-raised, LA based photographer, director, and visual artist. In her practice, George most often portrays the black femme narrative through a series of photoshoots she fully conceptualizes. Most concepts come to George in a series of dreams or visions. George's work aims to extract feeling from the viewer by consistently portraying themes of nostalgia, femininity, and history re-imagined.George’s work has been said to be a side of fine art photography that is both a contemporary ode to the past and a safe space to display figures in spaces they aren't commonly represented or historically welcomed. Aside from her conceptual work, George practices community based photography and using portraiture to amplify voices in marginalized and misrepresented communities.
Mercedes Carreto is a Guatemalan American photographer from South Central, Los Angeles. She utilizes photography to celebrate everyday moments and people from her community. With a passion for equitable access to the arts, Mercedes founded "I am South Central," a mixed media installation project that places temporary photographic installations in various locations throughout South Central to showcase the beauty and resilience of her community. She has a deep commitment to create bodies of work and projects that are accessible and centered on connection.
Leimert Park --
Roz Kumari is a Caribbean born professional freelance portrait, editorial, lifestyle and documentary photographer living in Los Angeles. Born in Costa Rica and raised in Los Angeles, Long Beach and the East Coast, Roz has deep connections to the Leimert Park community. Roz first picked up a camera at 13 and it quickly became her passion. Living in Los Angeles County for over 25 years, she is a mother of 4, wife, full time artist, creative director, singer, yoga instructor and healer.
Momodu Mansarey is a Black, Queer, cinematographer, and photographer, born and raised in New Jersey, currently based in Leimert Park, Los Angeles. Momodu's work bridges surrealism and realism as a means to tell honest, Black stories and envision liberation.
LA Commons enjoyed being part of this amazing photography project with the Getty! Check out our opening reception, details below!
Enjoy the LA: In Dialogue opening reception on Saturday, June 3rd from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Band of Vices art gallery in West Adams, 5351 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016.