"This exhibition is a type of homecoming for the explorer within. An invitation into one's own bewildering heart." - Genesis the Greykid
In recent years, artist/poet Genesis the Greykid has had his works, which he collectively calls PoAnguardia, featured in Forbes magazine and U.S. News and displayed in gallery showings in South Beach, Florida, New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans.
Before he takes his paintings on tour, however, he has a gallery showing here, his hometown. His "Through the Grey" exhibit is usually held in December, but this year it will be Saturday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 11 p.m. at 1401 Gallery on Market Street.
If you go
* What: “Through the Grey,” works by Genesis the Greykid* When: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26* Where: 1401 Gallery, 1478 Market St.* Admission: Free
He held the first such event in 2016 and has had one every year since at various locations in town. It's important to him to have the first exhibition of his new works in Chattanooga, for a variety of reasons.
"This is home. I leave so I can come back," he said. "Chattanooga is very inspiring to me."
"PoAnguardia" is a mashup of "poem" and "anguardia," an Italian translation of "avant-garde." He calls his oil-on-canvas paintings "fine art poems," as they combine his passions for words and painting.
Contributed image by Genesis the Greykid / Genesis calls the works, "PoAnguardia," a mashup of "poem" and "anguardia," an Italian translation for "avant-garde." The oil-on-canvas paintings are "fine art poems," he says, as they combine his passions for words and painting. This piece is called "A Reflection of Fall."His works has been purchased by collectors and celebrities across the country. He was recently commissioned to create three pieces for Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor, for example, and another for New York Giant safety Antoine Bethea. Musician Yo Gotti has also purchased his works, as has hip-hop producer Seven (Michael Summers).
Genesis was asked by Seven to paint a piece based on a song called "Brother" that he was producing for Kanye West. The song with West on vocals has not been released, but Genesis said he is in negotiations with the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris to display the painting, and that will be part of the exhibit on Saturday.
The exhibit will feature about 30 pieces. Genesis has said in the past that his works are about being in the present and about getting out of your own way.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.
Contributed image from Genesis the Greykid / Genesis said his works, like this piece called "Thank You," are about being in the present and getting out of your own way. Many are inspired by cross-country trips that he takes, often by train, and almost always via backroads if by car.
Contributed image by Genesis the Greykid / "Muse" is one of the paintings that will be included in the show on Saturday.