Details:

This portrait explores the intersection of a woman's public and private personas and the generational frameworks that shape Black identity.
Framed: 22.8 x 15.8 x 1.8 in.

① Artwork:

Valentina

This portrait explores the intersection of a woman's public and private personas. In her paintings, February James probes her own memory to uncover the frameworks that shape individuals—such as family and the history of Black identity. Her work aims to transform the conversations, habits and stories we pass down from generation to generation.

Specs:

13 inches
19 inches
with frame
15.75 inches
22.75 inches
1.75 inches
22.75 inches

③ Artist:

February James

February James’ paintings are about personal transformation and creating a visual language designed to shape conversations around perception, meaning and identity. Her portraits’ confrontational gazes demand to be acknowledged and refuse to perform for the viewer. Her work investigates the complexities within Black identity from her own experience, probing cultural transmissions and oral histories.

BIO:

February James was born in Washington, DC. She holds a BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

James’ work has been shown in numerous solo exhibitions, including: (Don’t) Take Me With You at Wilding Cran in Los Angeles, California; We Laugh Loud So The Spirit Can Hear at Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago, Illinois; and I Painted Flowers for You at Luce Gallery in Turin, Italy; among others.

James’ work has also been shown internationally in group exhibitions, including at: Luce Gallery in Turin, Italy; Residency Gallery in Los Angeles, California; Anthony Gallery in Chicago, Illinois; Jeffery Deitch in Los Angeles, California; LatchKey Gallery in New York City; and Gallery Josephine in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; among others.

James lives and works in Los Angeles, California.

February James:
Valentina, 2021
Oil pastel on paper
19.0 × 13.0 inches /
February James:
Valentina, 2021
Oil pastel on paper
19.0 × 13.0 inches /