Bright Skylark News Notes

Aberjhani 500K Art Collection Commemorates Lives Lost to COVID-19

2/24/2021

"For the 500 Thousand Fallen and Those Who Loved Them" art collection by Aberjhani launched following announcements United States had reached a painful milestone in war against COVID-19 pandemic.

A new art collection at Fine Art America, called “For the 500 Thousand and Those Who Loved Them,” has launched in commemoration of the 500,000 Americans and 2.5 million people worldwide who have died from the COVID-19 pandemic as of February 21, 2021. It also pays tribute to their family members, caregivers, and pandemic frontline workers.

Created by the artist Aberjhani, whose literary works are often quoted on social media, the new collection is called “For the 500 Thousand Fallen and Those Who Loved Them.” It currently contains the following 4 prints: 1) the title artwork; 2) Wreath of Grace and Honor; 3) Palace of Psalms and Gold; and 4) Made It Home Again.

Never Considered Themselves Soldiers

When asked why he felt it important to acknowledge the painful 500,000 deaths milestone in the U.S. and more than 2 million losses worldwide, Aberjhani answered as follows:

“Almost from the beginning, the pandemic has been described as a war with an invisible enemy. That description is not necessarily inaccurate but what’s most disturbing about it for a lot of people is they never considered themselves soldiers or marines or anything like that. Consequently, they were not prepared for something like this even though many agree we should have been.”

He further pointed out the striking contrast between losses to the pandemic and deaths during times of war: “Victims of the pandemic and their families have in fact become casualties of this year-long ‘war’ which has now taken more American lives than either World War I, World War II, the Viet Nam War, or our longest conflict, the war in Afghanistan.”

Cost of Art Kept at Minimum

Because of the nature of the commemoration, the mark-up on the title artwork, “For the 500 Thousand Fallen and Those Who Loved Them,” has been kept at minimum for all product formats. In addition, the current BNTZLH discount code made be utilized on any of the artist’s work for 40 percent off the same.

"Wreath of Grace & Honor the 500 Thousand Fallen and Those Who Loved Them" art by Aberjhani.

The series prints fall into the category of Silk-Featherbrush Artstyle abstracts originated by Aberjhani. Despite the similarity in style, the canvases are unique in their individual palettes with each presenting a vibrant visualization of the title. More extended background information is provided for each piece of artwork on its product page.

Bright Skylark Newsnotes

0 Comments

September release date announced for ‘Suzanne Jackson Five Decades’ exhibition catalog

8/20/2019

0 Comments

Cover of "Suzanne Jackson: Five Decades" with side list of contributors including: editor Rachel Reese, Betye Saar, Aberjhani, Tiffany E. Barber, Melanee C. Harvey, and julia elizabeth neal. (Courtesy of Telfair Books)

Already one of the cultural highlights of 2019, Suzanne Jackson's Five Decades Retrospective at the Telfair Museums' Jepson Center for the Arts in Savannah, Georgia (USA), just doubled its considerable impact with officials' announcement of the September 25, 2019, scheduled publication of the exhibition catalog and immediate acceptance of pre-orders for the title.

A highly-regarded but often overlooked visual artist throughout her career, the opening of Jackson's retrospective on June 27 has brought her increasing international recognition and critical acclaim. The new catalog, edited by Telfair Museums curator Rachel Reese, promises to deliver more of the same with powerful text contributions from: iconic artist Betye Saar, Dr. Tiffany C. Barber, Dr. Melanee C. Harvey, Ph.D. candidate julia elizabeth neal, and author-poet-artist Aberjhani.

As pointed out by Shantay Robinson writing for Black Art in America: "Suzanne Jackson is the flower that sprouts up through the crack of the concrete.... Her passion is evident through more than five decades of work. Despite turbulent times, where racism and sexism might have rejected her, she believes in love and beauty. And this belief sustains" (Suzanne Jackson Five Decades of Encouraging Life).

Table of Contents page from "Suzanne Jackson Five Decades" courtesy of Telfair Books.

A similar observation can be found in Aberjhani's poem, "Suzannian Algorithm Finger-Painted on an Abstract Wall," composed specifically for the catalog. In it, he notes: "Her Life, like her Love, pulses painted poems/ streaking an abstract wall with impeccable grace."

Reflective of Current Trends

Jackson's work in many ways reflects the historical trends which have developed over the past few years and which are likely to influence world culture for the foreseeable future. Strong correlations to Meaningful relevance to demands for environmental justice, the powerful movement to increase gender equality, intensified advocacy to end racism, and expanding cultural diversity are all easily apparent within her work. Moreover, this relevance and the hard-won recognition of the artist's labors comes during the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, a period when a handful of influential African-American women artists first began to pave the way for future talents like Saar and Jackson.

"I don't think the service which the Telfair Museums has rendered the world by creating the Five Decades Retrospective, and which Suzanne Jackson herself has done by living her vision all these years, can be overstated," said Aberjhani. "We're at a tipping point in history where her visualized insights stand among some of the most valuable tools available for engaging in critical discourses of existential consequence and designing strategies for confronting some of our most urgent social and political challenges."

Jackson's retrospective is currently scheduled to remain at the Telfair Museums Jepson Center for the Arts in Savannah until October 13, 2019. To learn about the catalog or pre-order a copy please visit the museum's online shop.

Bright Skylark News Notes

0 Comments

African-American Monument Advocate Abigail H. Jordan’s Legacy Celebrated in Savannah

8/7/2019

1 Comment

Cover of "A Tribute to Dr. Abigail H. Jordan" featuring artwork by Aberjhani titled "Historic Triumph of Dr. Abigail Jordan."

The late Dr. Abigail H. Jordan (1925-2019), who led the decade-long battle to erect the African-American Family Monument in Savannah, Georgia, and who in 1991 founded the Consortium of Doctors, was duly honored in the city July 25-28, 2019, with the unveiling of a new plaque for the monument and other noted events celebrating her legacy.

Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach, along with Dr. Jordan's son, Atlanta businessman Ken Jordan, and members of the Consortium of Doctors all participated in the historic event. Mr. Jordan noted the new plaque corrected the previous omission not only of his mother's name, but that of sculptress Dorothy Spradley, also present for the unveiling.

From the inscription: "Educator, Leaders, Trailblazer, and community activist Dr. Jordan's vision, tenacity, and financial contributions were the driving force that ensured the Savannah Riverfront was the home of the first statue in Savannah that honors African Americans. The Consortium of Doctors, Ltd, an organization that Dr. Jordan founded in 1991, made significant contributions to this effort. Sculptress: Dorothy Spradley. This plaque unveiled July 26, 2019." (Photograph by Aberjhani)

The occasion marked the Consortium's 28th conference anniversary. A television cameraman and crowd of excited onlookers recorded videos, took photographs, and applauded as the covering was removed from the new plaque.

Artwork Added ‘Strong Sense’ of Jordan’s Presence to Event

One key component to the weekend of festivities was the artwork by Aberjhani titled "Historic Triumph of Dr. Abigail Jordan," a multimedia composition which includes original interpretations of images of Abigail H. Jordan and the African-American Monument combined with original abstract art. The piece was used on large framable cards, a poster, a tapestry draping the speaker’s podium at the Bouquet of Doctors banquet in the DeSoto Hotel, and on the cover of the banquet program. The artwork, according to various attendees, evoked a strong sense of Dr. Jordan's spiritual presence.

"As many people know already, Dr. Jordan is a principal subject of the story titled "The Bridge and the Monument: A Tale of Two Legacies," published in Dreams of the Immortal City Savannah," said Aberjhani. "It was my great honor and pleasure to count myself among the foot soldiers who assisted her however we could when completing preparations for the dedication of the African-American Monument in 2002. I'm happy to see that honor extended to this very special moment."

In addition to the unveiling of the new plaque and the Bouquet of Doctors Banquet (for induction of new Consortium members), conference events included a Think Tank session held at the historic First African Baptist Church and a Youth Summit at Savannah's famous Beach Institute. Among the attendees at the banquet was former Savannah mayor Edna Jackson, who was presented with a special award.

For more information on the Consortium of Doctors please visit: https://www.consortiumofdoctors.com/

Bright Skylark News Notes

1 Comment

<<Previous

Aberjhani 500K Art Collection Commemorates Lives Lost to COVID-19

Never Considered Themselves Soldiers

Cost of Art Kept at Minimum

September release date announced for ‘Suzanne Jackson Five Decades’ exhibition catalog

Reflective of Current Trends

African-American Monument Advocate Abigail H. Jordan’s Legacy Celebrated in Savannah

Artwork Added ‘Strong Sense’ of Jordan’s Presence to Event

Archives

Categories

Aberjhani 500K Art Collection Commemorates Lives Lost to COVID-19

​Never Considered Themselves Soldiers

​Cost of Art Kept at Minimum

September release date announced for ‘Suzanne Jackson Five Decades’ exhibition catalog

​Reflective of Current Trends

African-American Monument Advocate Abigail H. Jordan’s Legacy Celebrated in Savannah

​Artwork Added ‘Strong Sense’ of Jordan’s Presence to Event

Archives

Categories

Never Considered Themselves Soldiers

Cost of Art Kept at Minimum

Reflective of Current Trends

Artwork Added ‘Strong Sense’ of Jordan’s Presence to Event