It’s her first-ever curated exhibition!
Delaney George is a Los-Angeles based photographer by way of New Orleans who made a name for herself conceptualizing photoshoots that portray the Black femme experience. George said most of her concepts are inspired works, coming to her through a series of dreams or visions that she’s then compelled to manifest. Her work blends fine art with contemporary mediums that speak to viewers. George’s goal is to extract feeling in her work, playing with themes of femininity, nostalgia and re-imagined history to create a safe space for Black women in art that may not have otherwise been there.
“I would describe my art as a visual apology to the younger me and girls like me. I did not grow up seeing the images I create in magazines, books, bible stories, etc. I often wonder what I would be like today if I had. I often study anthropology and pull inspiration from the many different eras of human life on earth…I then try my best to create a narrative where my people are triumphant in these spaces. Somewhat re-writing history with a happy ending,” George told Because Of Them We Can via statement.
Now the self-proclaimed New Orleans diplomat is curating her first-ever exhibition, aimed at empowering other Black women artists. “Who She Found in the Looking Glass,” is a new exhibit focused on challenging traditional ideas of representation, exploring themes of self-identity and connection through portraiture. The show extends George’s personal mission to the larger art world, providing a platform to amplify the work of other Black women artists. In addition to George’s own work, work from 9 other Black women artists will also be on display including the work of Shannon Scates, Morrah Burton-Edwards (Morrah B.E.), Kori (Koloured Dimensions), McKayla Chandler, Peyton E. Burnett (The Artist), Alexandria Reviere, Egypt Hagen, Abreesha Jones, and Channel Guice.
The featured artists are from all across the country, displaying an array of stunning pieces that range from abstract acrylic works, to beautiful oil paintings, textile works and breathtaking digital images. George partnered with The Links Incorporated, Harbor City Chapter, Gallery 90220, a space dedicated to engaging and empowering underserved young Black artists, and the African-American Alliance Fund for the opening ceremony this past April 22nd. The organizations are supporting George who is offering youth programming during the run of show, regular tours for local Black organizations and community groups, and an opportunity for patrons to donate to Gallery 90220 to fund similar shows and provide educational opportunities.
The exhibition features the first all Black women artist group to premiere at Gallery 90220 and George says each piece of work was handpicked to reflect a type of mirroring for Black women.
“All selected artists’ works challenge the perception of what it is to be a Black woman or grow as a Black woman of today. Recollections from childhood, life experiences and inner discoveries shape who these Black women artists are today and how they communicate through art. This expression is made possible through the crucial step of looking at yourself in the mirror and translating that epiphany of self identity and power into artistry,” a statement from the exhibition thesis reads.
George is making a bold statement and hopes to usher in a new era of Black women artists, creating work by us and for us, all while holding our beauty in the spotlight. Her work has been featured in The New Orleans Museum of Art and the Martine Chaisson Gallery. She has shown works in the exhibition for the motion picture film TILL: Impact of Images alongside iconic photographers like Gordon Parks and Kwame Brathwaite and has worked with a number of high profile brands like NIKE, JET Magazine, Forever 21, Walmart and Essence Festival.
“Who She Found in the Looking Glass” by Delaney George is currently on display at Gallery 90220 in Downtown LA from now through May 6th.
Cover photo: LA-based artist Delaney George debuts new exhibit aimed at empowering Black women/Photo Courtesy of Delaney George