Visit PMA at The Shops at Tanforan this summer for a truly exceptional experience as we host "iNDiViDUALiTY," an exciting new show celebrating joyful Black artistry and creativity curated by local artistic collaborative, Uni.Verse Studio. This large group show will occupy the entire space and feature original paintings, photography and beautiful illustrations by its all-Black creatives in addition to work by premier African artists. A highlight of the exhibition will be a vibrant display of photographs capturing the unapologetic energy of several Black Bay Area artists and LGBTQ+ activists. iNDiVIDUALiTY will transport you into a space filled with Instagrammable moments, iridescent photography, cultural art and interactive environments.
Uni.Verse Studio was founded in the Bay Area in 2020 by exhibition artist Martel Hasley and photographer Demetrius Philp. The two started the platform in response to a lack of safe spaces for artistic expression at a time when the country was protesting police brutality led by the Black Lives Matter movement in the midst of the pandemic. In the past year, the studio produced multiple intimate exhibits where Black artists from around the globe contributed work along themes such as Dreams, Black Lives Matter and Pandemic "Normalities."
Uni.Verse continues to engage with artists from around the world, proudly connecting them with brands, events, exhibits and fellow creatives here in the Bay Area in order to bring to life one-of-a-kind art and creative content. The studio recently completed a series of stylized photo shoots led by noted Bay Area photographer Demetrius Philp for its photography channel "Studio BLK." Highlights of these shoots will be on display at the Peninsula Museum of Art reflecting the smiles, camaraderie, fashion and creative energy poured into the portraits depicting Black Excellence.
"In its constant quest to create safe, beautiful spaces for individual expression, Uni.Verse is proud to feature these beauties and capture everything that makes them who they are: each participant was asked to be unapologetically themselves. From #BlackBoyJoy to a Melanin Exchange, 'Individuality' was on full display."
"This exhibition will be a spectacular culmination of my vision to create immersive experiences that continually paint the Uni.Versal narrative of Black artistry."
- Martell Hasley, PMA/Uni.Verse Exhibition Curator
Instagram Social Handles:
@peninsulamuseum
@uni.verse.studio
@studio.blk.sf
Harmony by Studio BLK
If a Probability by Adegbenro Adeola Damilare
Queer Embrace by Demetrius Philp