November 18 - December 5, 2020
A solo exhibition featuring work by Dawn Okoro.
From the gallery:
“Dimension Gallery is proud to present the final installment of Part: 1 in the Rising Action series, with Dawn Okoro’s Burden of Respectability. Incorporating elements of punk and nigerian fashion, Okoro’s exhibition aims to personify the weight placed on Black individuals through the subversive nature of respectability politics.
Utilizing fashion as a means of aesthetic expression and resistance, Dawn Okoro’s work examines standards of beauty and the use of commercial imagery to commodify desire. Okoro creates paintings, videos, garments and jewelry that are informed by punk and compositional techniques used in fashion marketing. Okoro aims to expand the concept of what it means to be Black and challenge the mainstream for its failure to accept difference.
Respectability politics is the belief that conforming to hegemonic standards will protect marginalized people. Okoro asserts that for Black individuals, the burden of constantly trying to prove oneself can lead to stress and other mental health issues. For some, failing to comply with this moralistic discourse has been met with deadly force. For Burden of Respectability, Okoro created headpieces made of copper chains and gemstones. The stones weigh heavily on black mannequin heads that serve as a stand-in for the artist.
Dawn has chosen the Loveland Foundation for this artist-led partnership. Activist Rachel Cargle created the foundation to help bring healing to communities of color. The fund provides financial assistance to black women and girls seeking therapy. You can learn more about how to get involved at thelovelandfoundation.org. 50% of any sales from this exhibition will go directly toward supporting their efforts.
Artist talk: November 18, 2020
979 Springdale #99
Austin, 78702 Texas
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