CAPTURED: Daniel T. Parker and Patric McCoy

Daniel T. Parker and Patric McCoy photographed at Blanc Gallery in Chicago, February 22, 2013. BlackArtistNews Photo. All rights reserved.

BlackArtistNews | February 27, 2013

It’s rare to see serious art collectors at gallery openings. If you do, catch them if you can. They move in and out of the space faster than it takes a sip of wine to trickle down your throat.

Chicago-based collectors Daniel T. Parker (left) and Patric McCoy (right) exhibit a different kind of art opening etiquette: They actually mingle with the minions.  

Their presence at Blanc Gallery’s reception for Raub Welch on February 23^rd is a strong indicator that the artist is within inches of radar detection. Almost an hour after the event officially ended, BlackArtistNews observed McCoy inspecting Welch’s work like a trained detective. Now that’s serious. 

Click here to view reception photos from Raub Welch exhibit at Blanc Gallery

YouTube: Patric McCoy Interview (Part 1)

YouTube: Patric McCoy Interview (Part 2)

YouTube: Legacy & Culture Interview with Daniel T. Parke (Part 1)

YouTube: Legacy & Culture Interview with Daniel T. Parker (Part 2)

DiasporalRhythms

(Collectors of Contemporary Works by Artists of African Descent)

1,200 Strong | The Patric McCoy Collection 

A Second Skin (Q&A with members of Disaporal Rhythms)

CHICAGO: Raub Welch

The Endangered Species: A Visual Response to the Vanishing Black Man

February 22, 2013 – May 7, 2013

Opening reception: Friday, February 22, 2013, 6 to 9pm
Artist's Talk: Sunday, March 24, 2013, 2pm
Culminating Event: Friday, May 3, 2013, 6pm

BLANC GALLERY

4445 South Martin Luther King Jr Drive

Chicago, IL

Blanc Gallery proudly presents The Endangered Species: A Visual Response to the Vanishing Black Man by artist Raub Welch with an opening reception on Friday, February 22, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  The exhibit will run through May 7, 2013.

In this thought-provoking show Raub challenges audiences to view the work – as if from the future – a future in which black men have actually vanished.  Audiences can view this exhibit as an archeological exploration of what a black man was, what he was expected to be, the artifacts of what he loved, and why he vanished. The exhibit masterfully intertwines masculinity, sexuality, slavery, poverty and aspiration.

In addition to being a gifted artist, Raub is a collector of antiques and a sought after interior designer. This exhibit is the sum of his parts.  He layers archival text, precious relics, antique photos and starkly modern portraits to create 3-D visual metaphors.  Each piece is a riotous installation—a visual treasure hunt.  To celebrate Blanc Gallery’s third anniversary and the close of Black History Month, Raub has choreographed a provocative performance piece to accompany the opening called “The Parade of Spades.”   Bucket boy drummers and tuxedoed male models will open this wonderful exhibit.

Blanc Gallery is a community based art space, working to re-inspire a Culture of Conversation in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood.  Gallery hours are Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and by appointment.  Call 773-952-4394 for more information or visit blancchicago.com. 

Click here to view opening reception photos of 

The Endangered Species: A Visual Response to the Vanishing Black Man