(NEWARK, NJ) -- Akwaaba Gallery presents “Damage and Repair” - an exhibition of abstract paintings and sculptures by Heather Williams that represent themes of emotional damage and reconstruction. The exhibition runs from April 2 through May 7, 2022. Williams is a Jersey City-based multi-media artist who was born in St. Croix and raised in Brooklyn. Her work is inspired by introspection, her background in art therapy, and her African ancestors.
Heather Williams began creating “Damage and Repair” during the process of exploring her personal relationships and how to fix what may have been broken. “How can we take something that appears to be damaged and reconstruct it?” she asks. “Is damage a catalyst for communication, reconstruction, reimagination and therefore a necessary part of the equation? This line of questioning is multilayered, as is reflected in the work.”
Williams’ acrylic paintings in the show includes elements of collage with string, wood, and torn paper overlaid on dark backgrounds and bright, contrasting colors. The paintings range in scale from smaller pieces measuring 12 x 12 inches to the largest piece, which is 6 x 8 feet.
The show also features a collection of mask-like sculptures made from fired clay that Williams has titled “Witnesses.’’ They were inspired by research into her genealogy, which revealed roots in Benin and Nigeria. After learning more about her heritage, she grew interested in African traditions of sculpture and scarification.
“There is a level of spirituality that reaches back to my African ancestorial roots in every piece. These bodies I relate to as ancestors showing themselves. It is my job to give them the space to be,’’ she says. “The process of making them is a form of healing. That’s also related to damage and repair. There’s a huge amount of loss in not knowing where you came from, what your real name was. Those are deep losses and to create these witnesses is a way of acknowledging those things.’’
Williams is a film maker, sculptor and painter with a Masters in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She is a recipient of the Paula Rhodes Memorial Award for exceptional achievement in MFA Art Practice and has shown her work at many galleries, including Heath Gallery and Triangle Loft in New York City, and Mana Contemporary in Jersey City. Her pieces are also in several private collections.
An arts educator, Williams has a background in art therapy and has been teaching art and running workshops for a wide range of students for more than a decade. “My way of dealing with mental health is through art,’’ she says.
Her art is driven by both reflection and a therapeutic sense of liberation. “I am a deep thinker. My work is intuitive which gives me a certain amount of freedom of expression. I use abstract painting, sculpture and video to explore dualities and complexities,’’ she says.
Williams’ short film, “Safe Passage” which was screened last year at Governor’s Island as part of Art Crawl Harlem, will be screened at Akwaaba Gallery during an upcoming artist talk. It will also be screened in April at the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
An arts educator, Williams has a background in art therapy and has been teaching art and running workshops for a wide range of students for more than a decade. “My way of dealing with mental health is through art,’’ she says.
The gallery will host an opening reception on April 2 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
Akwaaba Gallery is located at 509 S. Orange Avenue in Newark, New Jersey. Akwaaba Gallery opened on February 15, 2019. Akwaaba Gallery is a hidden Newark gem located in the historic Fairmont neighborhood. The gallery features diverse and eclectic contemporary works of art in various mediums. Akwaaba's mission is to engage the community and public with exhibitions featuring emerging local, regional, national and international artists. Akwaaba Gallery is quickly becoming the art hub of the West Ward and a welcoming venue to the community and surrounding towns.
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