HEMPHILL Artworks
TWO X
November 9-December 21
www.hemphillfinearts.com
HEMPHILL presents “TWO X”, a group exhibition exploring the interconnectedness of art across generations. Running through December 21, this show invites viewers to reflect on how the dialogue between works by artists from different times can illuminate the shared essence of artistic expression.
Instead of adhering to conventional categorizations like period or style, “TWO X” focuses on pairings that highlight the personal and communal resonance of art, asking visitors to consider the broader narrative of creativity that connects us through time and across cultures. The exhibition aims to foster an appreciation for art’s enduring role in human experience, regardless of its context or origins.
Featured artist pairings include Benny Andrews with Melvin L. Nesbitt Jr., Alma Thomas with Julie Wolfe, and Norman Lewis with Robin Rose, among others. Each pairing encourages viewers to contemplate the harmony and contrast between differing approaches, techniques, and perspectives. HEMPHILL Artworks is located at 434 K Street NW. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment. 202-234-5601.
Hill Center Galleries
Through January 4
African American Fiber Arts Guild
“A Celebration of Fiber and Heritage”
www.hillcenterdc.org/galleries
African American Fiber Arts Guild (AAFAG) unveils its inaugural exhibition, showcasing the artistry and cultural expression of African American life, history, and identity through fiber art. Founded in 2023, AAFAG is a collective of independent fiber artists based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Though rooted in this region, the guild is poised to expand its reach as interest grows.
Dedicated to elevating fiber arts as a medium of fine art, AAFAG serves as both a platform and a resource. explore diverse methodologies, blending traditional techniques with contemporary approaches to create works that resonate deeply with African American heritage. Through education, collaboration, and exhibitions, the guild fosters an environment where ideas are exchanged, skills are honed, and the stories of African Americans working in fiber are amplified.
Visitors to the Hill Center exhibition will witness the transformative potential of fiber as a medium, as well as the guild’s commitment to innovation and storytelling. This debut exhibition marks a significant step in preserving and advancing African American cultural narratives through fiber art. Hill Center is located at 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Hours: Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 202-549-4172.
International Art & Artists at Hillyer
Exploring Connection, Resistance, and Legacy: Three Exhibitions at IA&A at Hillyer
Through December 29
athillyer.org/exhibitions
IA&A at Hillyer presents three distinct yet thematically resonant exhibitions, each engaging with concepts of connection, resilience, and the enduring power of art.
Xenia Gray “The Great Silence”
In “The Great Silence,” Xenia Gray delves into humanity’s innate yearning for connection—both with one another and with the larger cosmos. Through figurative mixed-media works created in acrylic and graphite, Gray evokes a contemplative quietude. Her use of emotive colors and shadow invites viewers to explore the mysteries of silence and self-discovery. This series suggests that true understanding emerges in the spaces where words fail and the manner in which the universe’s vastness speaks.
Alexander D’Agostino “An Index of Fire”
Alexander D’Agostino confronts the history of book burnings in “An Index of Fire.” Using cyanotype prints on textiles, “bleached” with ashes from burned books, his work transforms destruction into creation. By turning the remnants of censorship into records of resistance, D’Agostino critiques the futility of silencing knowledge. His exhibition serves as both a warning and a testament to the resilience of free thought, illustrating that even in ashes, books remain symbols of human curiosity and defiance.
Collecting Community: “The Millennium Arts Salon at 25”
Celebrating 25 years of artistic dialogue, “Collecting Community” showcases the Millennium Arts Salon’s rich history. Curated by Lauren Davidson and Jarvis DuBois, this exhibition features a diverse array of works from emerging and established artists. Alongside paintings, sculptures, and mixed media, archival materials trace the evolution of the organization, highlighting its enduring impact. Programming, including artist talks, invites visitors to connect with the creative legacy of the Salon. IA&A at Hillyer is located at 9 Hillyer Court NW. Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 12 –6 p.m., Saturday & Sunday: 12–5 p.m. Closed Monday. 202-338-0680.
The Silva Gallery x
Latela Curatorial
Through February 28, 2025
Anne Hanger “Wanderings”
www.latelacuratorial.com/the-silva-gallery
Anne Hanger’s solo exhibition, “Wanderings”, invites viewers to explore the quiet beauty of natural cycles through 14 new abstract paintings. On view at The Silva DC, the show reflects Hanger’s meditative practice of observing the sun rise over the Blue Ridge Mountains and set behind the Appalachians near her home. Using geometric minimalism, Hanger distills these moments into contemplative compositions that mimic the rhythms of the natural world.
Drawing on principles of the Minimalist movement, Hanger carefully reduces each scene to its essential elements, emphasizing simplicity and balance. Her works pair striking, emotive colors with clean shapes and textured surfaces, such as sand, gloss, and matte finishes. By extending the painted forms across the edges of each canvas, she envelops viewers in a sensory experience akin to immersing oneself in nature.
Hanger’s thoughtful approach is as much about process as it is about outcome. Her deliberate layering and disciplined gestures evoke the patience and order found in nature, offering a space for reflection and connection. As she describes, her works aim to transport the viewer to a place of silence and joy, mirroring the awe and mystery of the landscapes that inspire her. The Silva Gallery is located at 1630 Columbia Road NW. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m-5 p.m. and Sunday: noon-5 p.m. 202-449-4580.
Phil Hutinet is the founding publisher of East City Art, DC’s visual art journal of record. For more information visit www.eastcityart.com
