Art in the 1980s

"When it comes to visual arts, the 1980s were marked by the appearance of Neo-expressionism, an art phenomenon which spurred around the globe.

In general, Neo-Expressionist works are characterized by their intense expressive subjectivity, highly textural applications of paint, vividly contrasting colors and return to large-scale narrative imagery.

Neo-Expressionist artists depicted their subjects in an almost raw and brutish manner, newly resurrecting in their frequently large-scale works, the highly textural and expressive brushwork and intense colors that had been rejected by the immediately preceding art movements.

Critical to Warhol's reinvention of painting was the revival of the medium by the Neo-Expressionist painters. Warhol was both enamored with the new painting and challenged by it. He relished the youthful vitality of artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Francesco Clemente, Keith Haring, and Julian Schnabel."

The significance of compassion and harmony

“Compassion can be represented through a vibrant spectrum of colors, each hue symbolizing different aspects of this profound human emotion.I specifically chose Magenta. Magenta, a color that pulsates with a vibrant energy, embodies the multifaceted nature of compassion. Its rich hue, a blend of red's passionate intensity and blue's calming serenity, perfectly encapsulates the delicate balance inherent in compassionate action. Magenta's association with harmony and cooperation speaks to the interconnectedness that compassion fosters, suggesting a world where individuals work together, understanding and respecting each other's needs. Furthermore, its link to creativity and innovation highlights the transformative power of compassion, inspiring us to find new solutions and approaches to alleviate suffering. This vibrant color reminds us that compassion is not merely a passive emotion, but an active force that drives us to be kind, to understand, and to build a more just ...

My Charter School Experiences

In 1992, I did not attend a charter school. I have had a wide range opportunities that took place at various schools. I have not provided any services for schools as a professional visual artist and art consultant for a while. Among them include when I served as a substitute teacher for Mundo Verde PCS in 2013, I can recall working with some of the students and staff and sharing my passion and extensive background in visual arts. Additionally, I can recall when I served as a substitute teacher for DC International School. I knew a little bit of Spanish, but as a professional visual artist, I really enjoyed sharing my love and extensive background in visual arts with the students and some of the staff members at DC International from 2016-2017. Also when I served as an art elective Summer Camp teacher for Higher Achievement in 2013, the program took place at Center City Capitol Hill Campus. Providing each of these services in the past were a great opportunity for me. However, sin...

Art collectors

“An art collector is an individual or institution that buys and accumulates art, often with specific themes or artists in mind. An art collector is someone who seeks out and acquires artworks, either for personal enjoyment or as a means of investment. Art collectors can have different interests, such as: Collecting a broad range of work Collecting from a specific style, medium, or era Focusing on a single artist Art collectors may purchase art for a variety of reasons, including: Aesthetic beauty: Collectors may appreciate the artist's unique perspective, craftsmanship, and aesthetic beauty. Investment potential: Collectors may consider the potential for the artwork to increase in value over time, especially if it's from an emerging artist. Art can be a stable alternative asset class during economic uncertainty. Support for artists: Collectors may want to support artists. Inspiration: Collectors may find inspiration in art. Building a collection: Collectors may want to build a...

Embrace of Kindness

“The gentle hue of soft solid pink radiates an inviting warmth that embodies compassion and tranquility. This soothing color transcends mere aesthetics, reaching into the emotional landscape and stirring feelings of safety and belonging. It evokes the essence of intimate conversations where vulnerability is embraced, allowing words to flow effortlessly and connections to deepen. Such moments leave an enduring sense of fulfillment, a comforting reminder of the bonds we share with others, long after the dialogue has ended. Compassion, at its core, is the conscious choice to acknowledge the shared humanity in those around us, responding to their challenges with genuine kindness and empathy. This commitment to understanding and supporting one another is essential in fostering a nurturing environment. To cultivate a state of tranquility, individuals often engage in practices that nourish both the mind and spirit. Mindfulness and meditation are pivotal in this pursuit, offering pathway...

Radiant Ethics

Radiant Ethics. Digital art created on canvas. August 16, 2024. Afrika Abney Radiant Ethics is a conceptual digital artwork that emphasizes the principles of professional behavior. This piece captures the essence of ethical standards in a visually striking manner, using vibrant colors and abstract forms to convey the importance of integrity and responsibility in a professional setting.

Purple Muse

“Purple Muse draws on the creative essence of purple.The color purple is often associated with creativity, representing a blend of the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. This unique combination evokes a sense of imagination and innovation.Purple encourages original thought and inspires individuals to explore new ideas, pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. Its rich and vibrant hue can stimulate the mind, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish and thrive.”

Radiant Artistry Brush

Radiant Artistry Brush. Digital art created on canvas. September 8, 2024. Afrika Abney I began by selecting a salmon pink hue to serve as the foundational background for my artwork. This choice of color provided a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for the subsequent layers of paint. The soft, pastel quality of the salmon pink created a gentle contrast that would enhance the vibrancy of the colors to be applied later. Once the background was established, I proceeded to introduce a bright yellow paint using my digital brush. This step involved carefully layering the yellow over the salmon pink, allowing the two colors to interact harmoniously. The digital brush enabled me to achieve a smooth application, ensuring that the yellow not only stood out but also complemented the underlying pink, creating a visually appealing blend.

The Artist

The artist #1. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney. August 8, 2021 I need art as much as I need air. I turn blank canvases into artistic abstract masterpieces. I tend to see the beauty in life and in the good and bad and broken. I am deeply thoughtful and it draws people to me, and I see the world in creative and unique ways. Since I was 5, which was in 1981, I have been an artist. When I was 12, which was in 1988, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said that I wanted to be an artist. The artist #2. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney. August 8, 2021 The artist #3. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney. August 8, 2021 Dynamic and self-motivated artist with expertise in creating original artwork using various techniques, materials, and media, including acrylic paint. Proficient in designing and executing visually compelling pieces, with a strong understanding of the properties of acrylics—such as their fast-drying capabilities and water-r...

Importance of quality in art creation

Creative and discerning artist, Ms. Afrika Abney, is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in her work, exemplified by her recent decision to discard numerous abstract collages and paintings that did not meet her high standards. By sharing her discarded pieces, she aims to highlight the importance of quality in art creation and the varying effects of different materials on artistic outcomes. Ms. Abney’s commitment to curating her collection reflects her passion for artistic integrity and her desire to educate others on the complexities of the creative process. “Quality in art is an ultimate truth expressed through an individual's unique experience of existence. Its success in expression and transmission lies in its potential to communicate more than its surface values. In a successful piece of art, the visual features are most important: line quality, color, composition, and other artistic elements and principles.” Producing finger paintings using acrylic paint, one must ensure th...

Soothing Seafoam

“The term "Soothing Seafoam" effectively highlights the serene qualities of the seafoam hue, drawing attention to its tranquil nature, which makes it an ideal choice for promoting relaxation. This name not only reflects the color itself but also suggests a sense of calmness and comfort. In the realm of color psychology, seafoam green is recognized as a gentle and muted tone that fosters a sense of serenity and tranquility. This color is often linked to the ocean, where its delicate blend of green and blue shades mirrors the gentle undulations of waves and the frothy bubbles that form along the shore. The calming effect of seafoam green is further enhanced by its ability to combine the peacefulness of blue with the vitality and renewal associated with green, creating a harmonious balance that promotes relaxation.”

Ms. Afrika Abney, Professional Visual Artist and Art Consultant- Branding Blog

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