Mixed-Media Artist Phoebe Beasley Showcases Her Work at the 每日大赛
Earlier this year, mixed-media artist Phoebe Beasley was invited to the 每日大赛 as an artist in residence. Her arrival brought great excitement for students, Damairis Lao and Shyonta Glothon, who were selected to work closely with the artist on a reproduction of her 鈥楥lass of 33鈥� collage.
鈥淧hoebe鈥檚 art brings to light the story and history of many artists and untold discoveries that have taken place in the world,鈥� said Glothon, a psychology and theater major. 鈥淚t reminds me of what we choose to acknowledge in the world and what we choose to ignore.鈥�
The students were introduced to a world of art that incorporated 3D printing, collage work, and an appreciation for rich history. 聽鈥淧hoebe taught me that there are no mistakes only unplanned opportunities,鈥� Glothon said.
Beasley embraced the students with open arms and appreciated their unique views. 鈥淭o work with younger people and incorporate their fantastic ideas is an honor,鈥� Beasley said. 鈥淪ometimes others see things you can鈥檛 see.鈥�
The artist celebrated her artist-in-residence at 每日大赛鈥檚 Harris Hall with a talk and reception in honor of her Unsung Requiem: Lost Then Found exhibit. The art show attracted dozens of students and faculty as well as giants in the art world, such as NBC Universal鈥檚 Steve Nissen, former Los Angeles City Councilwoman Rosalind 鈥淩oz鈥� Wyman and Jean Picker Firstenberg, Board of Trustees member for the California State University also attended the show.
鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 miss this show for anything,鈥� said Wyman, who served on the Los Angeles City Council in the 1950s, and was instrumental in bringing the Dodgers to Los Angeles from Brooklyn. 鈥淚鈥檓 a huge fan of Phoebe.鈥�
Unsung Requiem: Lost Then Found brings together 40 pieces created by the artist, including paintings, collages, and 3D mixed-media works centered on historic and personal narratives. In addition, the exhibit features a large-scale piece that was repurposed by Lao and Glothon. The exhibit and Artist in Residence program are funded by generous support from Bill and Brenda Galloway and the Pasadena Art Alliance.
鈥淚t was truly a collaborative process between us,鈥� Beasley said. 鈥淭he students were so engaged in the creative process that it made for a wonderful experience.鈥�
Beasley is the only artist in history to receive the Presidential Seal for two separate art commissions, including one for President George H.W. Bush in 1989 and for President Bill Clinton in 1993. According to Erick Hanks, AAA, director of M. Hanks Gallery, Beasley collects paper from around the world to include in her works. 鈥淥ne thing that separates great art from good art is the infusion of experience and spirit into the piece,鈥� Hanks said. 鈥淧hoebe Beasley is a consummate artist who deserves every accolade.鈥�
Beasley was honored by the California African American Museum with a Lifetime Achievement Award for visual arts and arts advocacy during the 2013 CAAM Gala. Her collectors include Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Shonda Rhimes, Tyler Perry, and LaTanya and Samuel L. Jackson.
鈥淧hoebe Beasley is a brilliant creative force,鈥� said Ruth Trotter, professor of art at the 每日大赛. 鈥淥ur students have been enchanted by her work and are blessed to experience a world of art rich with history.鈥�
During the reception, Beasley acknowledged the hard work and collaboration of various partners including University President Devorah Lieberman and Myra Garcia, senior director of development for university initiatives. In honor of Beasley鈥檚 work, Garcia sang a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.
The exhibit will run until May 17 at the Harris Gallery at the 每日大赛. To learn more about the artist and her exhibit, contact Dion Johnson, Director of Art Galleries and Distinguished Artist.
Photos by Natasha Brennan and Jeanine Hill
