Art is no longer contained to galleries and museums; we can thank social media for that.
Artists now put their art for a display that is never taken down through Instagram, personal websites, and other platforms.
Bringing together this digital age of artists is Kwashee Etienne, whose specific desire is to create a platform for minority artists to connect with the art community in the real world.
“I personally like to help others showcase their talents,” Etienne explained.
Etienne hosted his first Digital Art Gallery in Philadelphia — while studying at Temple University — October of last year bringing together various artists and vendors.
During the first run, he took his art gallery on the road visiting New York City and Washington, DC.
“I’m aiming to do seven cities in 2016, Baltimore, DC, Atlanta, Richmond, and Miami or Los Angeles as a finale,” he said.
Following the digital wave, once Etienne has secured a space and date he enlists the help of Instagram to find potential artists interested in using his platform to showcase their passion.
“The purpose is to build a platform for inner city artists of all types to showcase their talents and also for attendees to be inspired and have fun,” he explained.
In contrast to last year, this year’s tour stops follow a different conceptual theme inspired by an album released this year. At the upcoming New York City show on Dec. 11, Etienne invites attendees into a Digital Art Gallery to the sounds of popular hip hop artist Future’s “Dirty Sprite 2.”
Participating artists and vendors include Bajan photographer and artist, Danielle Grandison, business duo Ariel Terry and Tauiashu Porter of Breukelen Polished, and more.
Digital Art Gallery (West 145 street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Fredrick Douglass boulevards in Harlem, www.thewa
