MINT Presents
“Late Bloomer”
By AD Kaya Clark

Leap Year Solo Exhibition
Opens Friday June 10th, 2022

 

ATLANTA, June 1, 2022 /MINTatl.org/ — From June 10, through July 16th, 2022, MINT will present AD Kaya Clark’s Leap Year solo exhibition, Late Bloomer.

 

“Late Bloomer”

The definition of a late bloomer is someone or something that does not come into his or her own, either mentally or physically, until after most other peers. This has been a journey of self love, self care, and learning my self worth. I spent years searching for the perfect muse, only to discover my perfect muse was Me. As a daughter, mother, educator, and partner, I’ve spent my life taking care of others. Now I am learning how to take care of myself. As I turned my focus onto myself, I have bloomed in ways that I never knew I had within me.

  • Opening Reception
  • MINT 680 Murphy Ave SW, Suite 2095
  • Friday June 10, 2022, from 6-10 PM

Attend “Late Bloomer” by AD Kaya Clark, Opening Reception

Artist Statement

I gained a love of photography at a young age. Due to my father being in the Marine Corps I spent my childhood traveling the world, and I used photography as a way to document my experiences. I settled in Atlanta in 1995, where I attended Spelman College. In 1999 I began an 18 year career teaching elementary school in the Atlanta Public School System. After the birth of my son in 2007, I was given a camera and ventured back into photography. My experience as an educator influences and informs my work, and instigates my willingness to explore and learn new techniques. I choose to capture my subjects in natural light, I see every individual in my lens as a muse. My intention is to capture their natural beauty, therefore I use a nominal amount of retouching and Photoshop, choosing instead to embrace what some would call imperfections. Inspired by classic Pin Up paintings, but noticing the lack of Black women as subjects, I began re-contextualizing works by artists like Alberto Vargas and Gil Elvgren for my first series, The Pin Up Project. My goal was to reveal a style all my own while challenging the ideals of beauty and blackness by presenting Black women through a female gaze that brings their sensuality to the forefront. My most recent works combine my original photography, painting, and collage while drawing inspiration from the works of artists Mickalene Thomas, Renee Cox, and Deborah Roberts. My goal with my work is to embrace the essence of existential and collective individuality from every angle.

About Leap Year

Leap Year is MINT’s  residency program that provides a comprehensive and robust system of support for emerging artists in the Atlanta-Metro area. Leap Year is inclusive of both community and network development along with opportunities for quiet reflection and introspection on personal and career growth. 

Program Benefits: 

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