Pigment International to host Salon Talk with Artist Ted Ellis and Author Halima Taha during PRIZM Art Fair in Miami
Tracie Hall of Joyce Foundation to moderate discussion of the significance of 1619 for artists
Pigment International, the Black Fine Art Collective is hosting a special Salon Talk during the PRIZM Art Fair featuring Ted Ellis, artist and Commissioner of the 400 Years of African-American History Commission and Halima Taha, author of Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas, moderated by Tracie Hall, Director of Culture Programs, the Joyce Foundation. The Salon Talk will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the DuPont Building, 169 E. Flagler St.
Entitled, The 1619 Project Salon Talk, the conversation centers on the commemoration of the arrival of the first Africans to the British colonies in America. The discussion examines how artists interpret this unique anniversary and what it means at this pivotal point in our history. The conversation will also examine how the African Diaspora continues to shape and inform the Black art aesthetic and global art movements.
Ellis was appointed Vice Chair of the 400 Years of African-American History Commission committee overseeing the arts and culture, entertainment and sports as of November 1, 2019. He joined the Commission early in 2019 following a written nomination submitted by Pigment International on his behalf. He was the lead in organizing The 400 Years of African-American History Commission legislative and educational initiative on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. “Let’s Talk about Our Dream”, 400 Years of Trials, Triumph and Trailblazing. Entertainer Nick Cannon was the Honorary Chair of the Commission’s federal 400 school project. Ellis’s career as an artist spans over 30 years and includes numerous recommendations and awards.
Taha is best known for her groundbreaking book Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas (1998, 2005), the first book to validate collecting African American fine art and photography as an asset and commodity in the marketplace. It was the primary variable, in conjunction with the National Black Fine Art Show (1997-2007), for Swann Galleries to establish the first African American auction category in the world. The success of this publication also inspired the National Gallery of Art to create a Collecting African American Art Symposium and was a catalyst for major museums worldwide to pursue collections of African American art to exhibit, catalogue and travel. In addition, it provided solid market criteria for publishers to print more monographs about African American artists and collections independent of museum shows, which had not previously been the norm. Taha’s forthcoming publication is entitled, Collecting Contemporary African and Black American Art in the 21st Century.
Hall, a poet, fiction writer, playwright and gallerist is Director of the Joyce Foundation’s Culture Program. Prior to that she served as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) for the City of Chicago where she oversaw the Arts and Creative Industries Division which included the Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music Industry, and Farmers Market programs, as well as the Chicago Film Office. Hall has also served as Vice President of Strategy and Organizational Development at Queens Library in New York City, one of the nation’s busiest libraries serving over 11 million users annually. She is deeply in the intersection of arts access, literacy, youth and economic development.
“Pigment International is extremely proud to be returning to Miami for Art Miami/Art Basel to bring one of our signature Salon Talks with some amazing art and culture icons,” said Pigment Founder Patricia Andrews-Keenan. “Ted, Halima and Tracie have made a significant mark on Black art and culture within their disciplines, and the audience at PRIZM is in for a treat. We offer our heartfelt thanks to Mikhaile Solomon, the founder of PRIZM for hosting us.”
The event is free to those attending the PRIZM Art Fair, registration is required. Pigment artists will also be featured in the Spectrum Miami, described as a curated contemporary art show in the heart of Miami’s artsiest ’hood. Pigment will be in booth S614. Presenting artists are Paul Branton, Tyler Clark, Lesley Martinez, Angelica London, James Nelson, Dana Todd Pope, Raymond Thomas, Dwight White and Edo White. Guest artist is Najee Dorsey of Black Art in America.
PIGMENT-Intl ® is a multi-media arts collective redefining global arts, culture, and innovation. The organization is committed to creating new platforms for the advancement of the modern multi-cultural aesthetic in the visual arts. Pigment serves as a connector for emerging creators, collectors, curators, investors, and other stakeholders. It is a destination for art enthusiasts to experience customized and curated salons, events and exhibitions that spark dialogue and inspire those constituents. Pigment International is also the founder of Black Fine Art Month celebrated each October. Follow Pigment, Int’l on FB and IG.
Contact: Devorah Crable * 773-547-0777 * DCrable@gmail.com
