A Friend Named Cousin, an art exhibition curated by Joe Freshgoods, explores familial connections that transcend blood relations and the intricacies of cultivating chosen family and community. While the notion of the traditional family is rooted in biological relationships, familial connections can take the form of profound friendships forged through love, support, shared experiences, and mutual commitment. These artworks celebrate the importance of familial connections distinguished by choice, the construction of chosen families and communities, and the diversity that spans cultures, countries, and generations.
MEET THE ARTISTS
Jahlil Nzinga
Jahlil Nzinga, an American contemporary artist, seeks to revolutionize the art world from the inside out with his highly emotional visual art, avant-garde techniques, and an understanding that an artist cannot be separated from any component of his life-affirming work. For Jahil, his materials and artistic constructions live in a symbiotic relationship; his mediums inspire him to dream, yet his visions demand more from his materials than he ever intended. The themes emerging from Jahlil’s work include appreciating the beauty and transformative power of darkness, a cathartic exercise that allows him to expel what weighs him down.
Jewel Ham
Jewel Ham, an American multidisciplinary visual artist, curator, and educator, uses her practice as a means of reparations. With attention to the unapologetic wit and innovation inherent to the Black interior, she approaches narrative portraiture as an act of resistance. Her interests in aesthetics, pleasure, and sensuality largely influence her creative process. These elements, along with personal and community histories, assist in visualizing emotional realities that often accompany everyday Black life. Jewel continues to develop her practice in harmony with her community and personal alchemy.
Teoni Hinds
Teoni Hinds, a London-based figurative artist, interrupts the fast-paced life of her city by exploring the vulnerability of human nature. She documents the rawest moments in her everyday life, which she further explores through oil and pastel paintings and experimenting with spray paint, video art, and film photography. Her search for authenticity is at the heart of her purpose as an artist, evoked by her series of portraits of those closest to her. Through her art, Teoni aims to create an environment where people can be their most vulnerable and build a deeper connection to the best version of themselves.
Banga Minthe
Banga, a Parisian and Senegalese artist, creates figurative paintings that are a captivating fusion of the Black diaspora, surrealism, and abstraction. His art is a profound exploration of identity, culture, and history, weaving together the shared experiences of Black communities from Africa to Black Americans in a new world. Banga’s practice invites deep contemplation, encouraging the audience to reflect on the multifaceted nature of contemporary black identity.
Goldie Williams
Goldie, a Parisian and Haitian artist, characterizes his work by appropriating moments of life, especially in fashion, to create his scenarios and editorial series, documenting them across the globe. He initially gained recognition in the fashion industry through his documentation of street style, focusing on fashion, architecture, and furniture. While he previously focused on black-and-white street style, his current artistic work features timeless images with melancholic and cinematic tones.
Joseph Robinson
Joe Freshgoods is a designer and creative director from the west side of Chicago. He uses a unique blend of brand narrative and historical and cultural references, allowing him to create authentic connections with streetwear lovers worldwide. The owner of creative hub Every Now and Then, a retail and resource company, Freshgoods’ unique approach has led to partnerships with worldwide brands. Alongside these global projects, he has consistently told local stories through partnerships with art museums and sports teams in Chicago. An avid proponent of arts education, Freshgoods’ real passion is to tell stories through his collections. This mission has extended into a non-profit Community Goods, where he serves as the founder and creative director.
