THE ART OF BLACKNESS!

Art & Culture
Written By Patric Chauvez Editor-In-Chief

A celebration of black images in art and objects from the 1850’s to today.

 

Throughout history, Black representation in art has been shaped by both celebration and distortion. The Art of Blackness exhibition is an intimate reflection of these narratives, featuring rare and significant works that showcase the beauty, strength, and complexity of Black identity. Curated in honor of Black History Month, this collection offers a rare opportunity to showcase Black artistry and historical imagery in a personal, unfiltered setting.

As I write, I hope you’ve visited the studio to view The Art of Blackness. We did this all to celebrate Black History Month. My partner, Floyd Jones, and I have collected and loved art all our lives, and we’ve amassed quite a collection indeed.

In this exhibition, we’ve laid out all our beautiful pieces. Most are quite iconic, and some, of course, are based on negative stereotypes of Black people. Nevertheless, we find them all beautiful and have fully embraced them.

Among the works featured are rare 19th-century lithographs that depict Black life through the lens of their time—both as authentic records and problematic misinterpretations. There are also mid-century advertising pieces that reflect the evolving portrayal of Black identity in American culture, juxtaposed with contemporary works from modern Black artists reclaiming their own narratives.

 
 
1913 watercolor of Jack Johnson in a prison cell with the words 'SHUT UP,' Black boxing champion, Studio TMS Chicago.

1913 Watercolor by Jack Johnson

“It’s very rare that you see a group of paintings and objects like these presented in one room without the added flair of a gallery.”

Oil-on-canvas stands amidst chickens and fresh fruits. Measuring an impressive 61”x 59”

If you haven’t stopped by, please do— the exhibition ends this Sunday, March 2.

We look forward to seeing you!

Location: TMS Studio

329 W. 18th Street

Suite #403

Chicago, IL 60616

 
Patric Chauvez Editor-In-Chief

Patric Chauvez was born in the British Crown colony of Belize and remembers, in his early teens, being an avid reader of Connoisseur Magazine, where he developed his love of beautiful things. From the beginning, he loved to read about Jacqueline de Ribes and the fashion of Ungaro and Yves St. Laurent. Patric came to Chicago in 1984 and attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he studied fashion and art history. His first job out of art school was dressing mannequins in the couture department for Neiman Marcus.

In the early 1990s, Patric began to style fashion shows for Christian Lacroix and Christian Dior ready-to-wear and haute couture under the direction of Gianfranco Ferré. His career as a stylist assistant began upon his return to Chicago, and the rest is pure history.

Patric is a former contributor to the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine section and has created styles for Oprah, Toni Braxton, and the opera singer Renée Fleming. With his years of experience in the industry, Patric has developed a reputation for knowledgeable & true expert of all things fashion. His love of beautiful clothes contributes to his deep appreciation style.

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