Powerhouses: 20 Powerhouse Artists | 20 Masterworks

CONTACT:
Navindren Hodges
(212) 333-2640
info@billhodgesgallery.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Powerhouses

 

529 West 20^th Street

New York, NY 10011

6 February – 18 April 2025

 

NEW YORK, NY January 23 – Bill Hodges Gallery is proud to introduce our upcoming exhibition. 

 Powerhouses, showcases works by some of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Over its four-decade history, Bill Hodges Gallery has been a leader in championing African American artists and their vital contributions to art and culture. The gallery has collected, exhibited, and sold works by some of the most influential Black artists in art history. We consider many of the artists in our collection to be "powerhouses." A powerhouse artist is a master of their craft, possessing unparalleled skill and a daring, innovative vision that challenges long-held artistic conventions. These artists are driven and disciplined, dedicating themselves relentlessly to creating impactful work of the highest quality. Creating a lasting cultural impact, they shape trends, redefine their field, and leave an indelible mark on the art world. 

Spanning generations and mediums, Powerhouses brings together a dynamic collection of 20 artworks by 20 artists. From a vibrant print by Romare Bearden to an evocative C-Print created by Carrie Mae Weems, this exhibition showcases a spectrum of artistic genius. The exhibition also features works by Elizabeth Catlett, Melvin Edwards, Wifredo Lam, Norman Lewis, Pablo Picasso, Howardena Pindell, Charles Sebree, Lorna Simpson, and others.

 

Romare Bearden’s The Train, 1974 is a distinct work with his characteristic use of bold outlines, dynamic forms, and a rich interplay of colors throughout. The figures and structures are fragmented and abstracted, creating a sense of rhythm and movement, and referencing the collage techniques he is best known for. In The Train, Bearden weaves together personal and collective histories, creating a timeless reflection on identity, migration, and resilience. The print is a fantastic example of his innovative artistry and devoted to portraying truthful experiences commonplace in the lives of many African Americans.  

 

The ceramic vessel created by Camille Billops masterfully exemplifies her striking and imaginative approach to storytelling through visual art. Crafted in 1993, this work features a whimsical and energetic scene with vibrant and otherworldly figures painted against a solid black background. The imagery, consisting of fantastical creatures, human-like figures, and surreal landscapes, evokes a dreamlike narrative that playfully blends reality and mythology. Billops’ use of vivid colors, particularly the bright blues, purples, and yellows, stands out against the dark ceramic, emphasizing the frenetic energy of the composition.

 

In addition to highlighting museum-quality selections from the gallery’s collection, Powerhouses invites visitors to discover unexpected treasures. Featuring works that may surprise even longtime supporters, the exhibition highlights the depth and breadth of the gallery’s holdings. While Bill Hodges Gallery is known as a cornerstone of the arts community for its commitment to preserving and promoting African American art, we hope this exhibition will prompt visitors to say, “Wow, I didn’t know Bill Hodges Gallery had that!”

 

 

Bill Hodges Gallery is located at 529 W. 20th Street, suite #10E, between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue. Our closest subway stations are 14th St. & 8th Ave. (A-C-E) and 23rd St. & 8th Ave. (C-E). The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM – 6 PM and Saturday, by appointment only. For more information, please contact the gallery at (212) 333-2640 or at info@billhodgesgallery.com.