B. Ra-El Ali Speaks on Social Justice, and Urban Activism
"Art is Business"
B Ra-El performed Blood on the Leaves at Genesis Art Gallery on April 16th, 2016 during the Faces Not Forgotten-Chicago opening reception and dedication of victims of gun violence in Chicago. He also assisted in the installation of social justice artworks. B. Ra-El Ali is an exceptional emerging artist who has exhibited his artwork at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Illinois, South Side Community Art Center, and he is currently a resident artists and curator at the Hunter International Gallery.
"FIGURES THAT SPEAK:
AN EXPLORATION OF BLACK BODIES"
Artist Statement
My title B. Ra-El Ali is an affirmation that I use so that I always remain conscious of my spiritual identity and purpose. My purpose being a creative force sent from the cosmos, a bringer of truth. I was born on the South Side of Chicago and I have lived much of my life in the urban City. I am a graduate of Southern Illinois University of Carbondale achieving a BFA Painting and Drawing.
I am also a spoken word artist. My artwork and poetry are infusions of urban life, history, and social commentary. I believe that knowledge of self is the true answer to anyone’s individual struggles because gaining it has improved my life tremendously. My artwork and poetry serves as a form of education, displaying the lessons and philosophies that help me during my struggles in order to help others through their struggles as well. Art is my language, Art is my way of solving the problems of today in order to create a better future.
Much of my artwork features dancing figures. Dance
is the physical cultivation of the Spirit through mental release and
rhythmic processes. Dance historically, and contemporary is a large part
of African and African American culture being used for ritual purposes,
ceremonial, as well as social. My artwork depicts those traditional
uses of dance through 2D drawings on paper that are enhanced with
acrylic paint and pastels. I use the dancing figure as a creative vessel
to express African American culture and issues. Through compositions
designed from the figurative image of the dancer, I compose narratives
that describe the African American experience, largely addressing
identity, reconnecting African Americans to their African ancestry. The
collaboration of symbols new and old creates the persona of
"Afro-futurism" in my work, allowing my art to become ritual.
"FIGURES THAT SPEAK: AN EXPLORATION OF BLACK BODIES"
Art Exhibition
You are invited to participate in "Figures That Speak!" an art exhibition at the Hunter International Gallery at 3800 South Michigan Ave, curated by B. Ra-El Ali and Shahar Caren Weave. Figures that Speak! is an exhibition that focus particularly on figurative artwork that expresses Black life, culture and heritage. Art work submitted range from realistic to conceptual, abstract to the human figure.
More information contact Brael.ali13@gmail.com
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