The trailblazing African American arts group WE ARE INDY ARTS made their way into the Speck Gallery in spectacular fashion this month. The showing includes works in acrylic, photography, and a wide range of mixed media from artists Rebecca Robinson, Omar Rashan, Bruce Armstrong, Tony Radford, LaToya Marlin, Gary Gee, Mijiza SJ Holiday and Lenny White. Many of these pieces touched me, and for different reasons.

Bruce Armstrong
*Undecided*
acrylic on canvas

Bruce Armstrong’s Undecided is a veritable feast of color and gives me the feeling of purpose and forthright decision-making. It features solid, patterned, and colorful lines with dripping mixtures of pigment that break up the consistent horizontal lines.

Lenny White
*Window Pane and Tears*
photograph on canvas

Then there was Lenny White’s Window Pane and Tears, a photograph that grips at the soul. The streaks of water bring out the colors of the lights behind in such a powerful way. Lenny, who attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, enjoys participating in local art shows, i.e., Meet the Artist, Indiana Black Expo Cultural Arts Pavilion, and Flava Fresh to name a few. Lenny believes in giving back in appreciation for all who have helped him throughout his photographic career by mentoring novices and students.

Mijiza SJ Holiday
*The Death of Tommy Grimes by R.J. Meaddough III*
mixed media

The piece that struck me the most was Mijiza SJ Holiday’s The Death of Tommy Grimes by R.J. Meaddough III. This mixed media piece is inspired by the story of the same name by R.J. Meaddough. In the story, a boy goes on his first hunting trip. This is a haunting piece in light of the violence and horrific brutality against African Americans throughout our nation’s history. Complete with a bullet casing and a “hunting license,” the most chilling aspect of the piece is the handprint. The piece evokes sadness, fear, grief, and anger.

The Abstract by WE ARE INDY ARTS, is an impressive display of raw and authentic emotion. Don’t miss it in the Speck Gallery throughout the month of July.