September 1 - October 29, 2023

5 Points Art Gallery + Studios kicks off its fall season with two solo exhibitions opening Friday, September 1, 2023, 6-9 p.m. (CST). Both, Black female centric, The Black Woman Tabernacle: she IS god features Atlanta- based artist, Kottavei Love’s futuristic textile tarot deck series while Dark Edges is former Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design graduate, Joya Jean’s documentation of her current post-graduate life transitions utilizing her signature hair braided and beaded sculptures as her journaling vehicle.

In her career premier solo show, Joya Jean returns to Milwaukee from Chicago with an expanded portfolio of hand-braided and beaded “Crown” and “Throne” sculptures. A documentation of the moment, Jean’s work sheds light on the emotional experiences of existing within her body and home space. Through 14 newly and meticulously created hair weaved masterpieces and 2-D wall reliefs, Joya’s work exemplifies the teetering raw innocence colliding with the scrutiny and adversity within the human reality and the complexities of being a Black woman in contemporary time. An additional twist to traditionally revering the supportive Black women in her world, male forms are making a first-time appearance in Jean’s work as a way to honor and celebrate the Black masculine entities that have embraced this time and grounded her through her life’s journey.

The artistic mastery in The Black Woman Tabernacle: she IS god (Love) and Dark Edges (Jean) remain on display and available for collection until Sunday, October 29, 2023. The artist talk will occur at 7 p.m. (CST) opening night.

Missed the opening reception talk? Watch here.