reflections: the past, present & future of black excellence
yonkers arts - 216 Lake ave. yonkers, ny 10701
February 3rd - April 5th, 2024
Exhibit Information
Reflections: The Past, Present and Future of Black Excellence is produced by a partnership between Bold Art Society and Yonkers Arts.
This exhibit will feature the remarkable works of Ajamu Kojo and Chet Gold. Their profound artwork captures the essence of Black Excellence through the lens of history, the vibrancy of the present and the boundless possibilities of the future.
Our Partner
Yonkers Arts was founded in 2007 by a collection of community leaders who perceived the need for an all-encompassing arts organization for a city the size of Yonkers. They are the only minority-led non-profit organization in the Carpet Mills Arts District. The Yonkers Arts Project Space spans approximately 4,000 square feet; featuring a fine art gallery that hosts six exhibitions annually, and a performing arts space. They strive to inspire and empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the arts, to appreciate their transformative power, and to use them as a vehicle for positive change in their community and beyond.
Featured Artists
For inquiries please email
exhibits@boldartsociety.org
Ajamu Kojo
Ajamu Kojo trained as a filmmaker, graduating from Howard University’s storied program, and developed his studio practice as a painter while pursuing a professional career as a scenic artist in the film & television industry.
While some artists of his generation were pursuing a near-orthodoxy of conceptualism and post- studio practice, Ajamu went his own way – seeking the atelier rather than the seminar table when spending periods of study in Austria mastering Mischtechnik. The method, with its patient application of layered media, offers one way to understand what may seem like Ajamu’s sudden appearance. This waiting -- gently, assuredly -- for the layers to dry, for the picture to come into full view. Then, ready to meet the world, already with a clear voice and grounded vision.
Chet Gold
Chet Gold is a multi-disciplinary artist, born and raised in the Bronx. His primary artistic focus has centered on painting and the art of rapping since the age of eleven. After studying at "Fame" (LaGuardia High School of Art and Performing Arts), where he majored in Art, he went on to attend Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, receiving his BFA in Fine Arts with a focus on Illustration.
Chet works with gold paint on mirrors, which acts as a visual affirmation. “I see myself in love, while challenging myself to live in my highest form. Being Gold is about being honest, in relation to my word, and with intentional actions to live a high integrity life no matter what I do.”
Featured Artwork
Ajamu Kojo Artwork
Black Blood, No.9: In the spirit of A.J. Smitherman and Ollie B. Murphy family, 2021
Mischtechnik on Linen Canvas
77 ½ x 96
Black Blood, No.1: In the spirit of John, Loula & Joanna Williams family, Entrepreneurs, 2017
Mischtechnik on Linen Canvas
72 x 96
Black Blood, No.14: In the spirit of O.W. and Emma Gurley, 2021
Mischtechnik on Linen Canvas
73 x 84
Black Blood, No.12: In the spirit of Mrs. E. Davis, Proprietress, 2021
Mischtechnik on Linen Canvas
75 x 81
Starfish and Coffee, 2023
Limited Edition Print (2/50) 24k Gold Leaf on MOB Paper
24 x 24
c.D.u.O.r.O.l.M.s, 2016
Pastel, Charcoal & Gold Leaf Work on Paper
30 x 23
Quadricentennial Nigger, 2019
Mischtechnik on Panel
30 x 22
Baldwin’s Nigger (The Fire Next Time), 2013
Pastel, Charcoal & Gold Leaf on Stonehenge Paper
30 x 23
Wakanda Don’t Cry, 2018
Limited Edition Print (3/75) 24k Gold Leaf on Epson Cold Press Natural
31 x24
God Is Watching, 2017
Acrylics and Latex Paint on primed Lauan Plywood
24 x 24
SHE’S SO SIRIUS B, 2019
Mischtechnik and Gilding on Linen Canvas
44 x 34
Helen Folasade Adu, 2022
Spray Paint on Board
18 x 18
High Standards, 2022
Latex on Board
16 x 16
Try Jesus, 2022
Latex on Board
16 x 16
Venus Resistance Josephine Baker, 2021
Spray Paint on Board
24 x 24
I Have It All, 2021
Spray Paint on Board
24 x 24
PERSEVERE, 2022
Latex on Board
16 x 16
Chet Gold Artwork
Breathe, 2020
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror With Painted Wood Frame
55 x 36
Highs and Lows, 2018
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror With Painted Wood Frame
46 x 26
Smoke and Mirrors, 2018
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror With Painted Wood Frame
44 x 48
Grateful, 2022
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror With Painted Wood Frame
35 x 40
Sun Said / Moonstone 1, 2023
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror With Painted Wood Frame
20 x 20
Sun Said / Moonstone 2, 2023
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror With Painted Wood Frame
20 x 20
In23 Out23, 2023
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror With Painted Wood Frame
35 x 24
4 Peace, 2023
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror With Painted Wood Frame
20 x 20
No limitations, 2022
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror
35 x48
AfricanGold, 2024
Acrylic Paint and Glitter on Glass Mirror With Painted Wood Frame
26 x 30
PrimeGold, 2015
Acrylic paint on Glass Mirror
12 x 12