The Blaxpat Weekly #5.2024
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I’ve finally started making more visual art, and that’s led me to the realization that exhibiting is a necessary next step. After all, what do you do with all those canvases stacked up in your house? I mean… who has the space? I need my patio back!
Anyway, this realization has led me down a rabbit hole of learning what it takes to exhibit in spaces near me in southern Africa and global spaces likely to get my vibe. If you don’t yet know what my vibe is, that’s okay—I haven’t publicly shown my work anywhere in a very long time.
My design merch is here, and while that’s fun and funky, it’s not much of a preview of what’s to come on paper and canvas.
It’s scary being exposed, yet I’ve reached the point where I’ve got no choice.
Here’s a sneak peek of a piece I just finished…
Exhibition Spaces for Emerging Artists…
Did you know that there are many spaces in Africa for emerging and mid-career artists?
Here are a few, in no particular order:
Mozambique: The Fernando Leite Couto Foundation
South Africa: Guns and Rain
Angola: Galeria Tamar Golan, ELA
Uganda: AfriArtGallery
Ghana: ADA
Quick & Dirty about marketing art…
Shipping…Ugh!
I know there’s nothing sexy about shipping, but I tell you—getting art around the world safely is one of the biggest hurdles for emerging artists. Wrapping your head around crates and boxes and bubble wrap… bruh. It’s the very last thing a creator wants to think about but the devil is in the details. I’m fast learning that the business of art is just a complicated as the artistic process itself.
If you’ve got suggestions, leave a comment.
Why is this on my mind?
Like everything else in life, art is a journey and I wanted to share what’s been on my heart. Maybe you, too, are toiling with the idea of launching your art career.
If you are, you’re not alone. It is an emotional experience to expose your creativity.
And it’s hard to admit that you really don’t know what you’re doing.
Here, I’ll share my experience, so you will be inspired to pick up a paintbrush, camera, or 3D printer yourself.
The world needs more art…. Don’t you agree?
Thanx for supporting my creativity. If you’re looking to support more, here’s how:
TheBlaxpat Etsy Store - my unique designs & merch!
Follow me on IG (lifestyle/influence) & X (writing/sources)!
Shop my Children’s Books & Explore thirdculturekiddos.com!
Links to watch:
ResArtis: Artists Residencies
National Museum of African-American History & Culture Intern- & Fellow-ships
ACAVA: Resources for Artists