Every time Malcolm Bracey paints, he feels closer to his father — a man who died 10 years ago at the hands of police.
Bracey, 24, is a self-taught artist who specializes in abstract acrylic paintings. His work features an array of subject matter, but much of it focuses on representations of police brutality — an issue that changed the course of Bracey’s life when he was just 14 years old.
“[My dad] was a painter also, so it was only natural for me to paint,” Bracey says. “And to paint about that incident.”
Bracey, along with artists Ashley Robertson, Richie Morales, and Kelly Parks-Snider, will be featured at an Oct. 7 exhibit titled “Gallery of the People.” The event runs from 5-9 p.m. and is being held at Forward Community Investments, 2045 Atwood Ave.
“‘Gallery of the People’ is an art showcase rooted in social justice,” a release from event organizer Intellectual Ratchet says. “In the face of adversity, artists can capture truths, transforming hurt into healing.”
The social justice theme shines through at every level — the event is organized by Intellectual Ratchet (a diversity-driven, urban entertainment company) it’s catered by Sweet Tea (Madison’s newest soul food restaurant) and hosted by FCI, an investor, connector and advisor for organizations and initiatives that reduce social, racial, and economic disparities.
When it comes to art events highlighting up-and-coming artists and artists of color, Bracey says “there’s definitely a need in Madison.”
“There’s almost zero things going on, at least for black people,” he says. And it’s not just artists of color who aren’t being engaged. Bracey says there’s a group of talented people who aren’t quite “fit to be in most of the galleries in Madison,” but who are still creating art that deserves to be seen.
Artist Ashley Robertson — a native of Maryland who was educated in Atlanta and moved to Madison three years ago to take a job at Vandewalle & Associates — says events highlighting the talents of people of color were commonplace when she lived in bigger cities.
“This is just so normal to me — and it should be,” she says. “But Madison is not [Washington] D.C., and it’s not Atlanta … I do think we need more of it here. I think the impact is great for Madison.”
Robertson, who began painting about two years ago, focuses on “communicating the thoughts, concerns and aesthetics of black women.” Growing up in an all-women household and attending an all-women college, Robertson’s life has been shaped by those relationships, and her art celebrates the concept of sisterhood in all its forms.
“I wanted to pay homage to the things we as black women struggle with, and the things we’ve done,” she says.
While many of the conversations surrounding social justice and the modern black liberation movement tend to focus on the challenges faced by minorities and the ongoing struggle for equality, Robertson prefers to emphasize the positive.
“I talk to so many black women in this community, and I think a lot about the issues that we deal with, but what sticks with me the most is the ability to, day-in and day-out, survive and thrive,” Robertson says. “A huge part of perseverance is joy, and because joy is such an important aspect of our survival, I wanted to put more of that out there.”
