HER: New Paintings by Julia Bottoms at the BOX Gallery

An opening reception for HER, an exhibit of new paintings by Julia Bottoms will be held at the BOX Gallery at Hostel-Buffalo Niagara on Friday, May 7th from 7p to 10p. The exhibition will be on view through June 30th.

Visitors may email boxgallerybuffalo@gmail.com to set up a contactless gallery viewing. Complete details may be found online at FB Event Page, www.juliabottoms.com, or BOX.

The HER series is an evolving conversation intended to spark a vision of an art world in which Black creators and Black models are abundant and celebrated. The work touches upon themes of representation, joy, and connection to creation/the universe. There are multiple layers to these paintings, one of which is a reflection on the intertwined relationship between individual beings and all of existence. HER examines this relationship specifically through the lens of Black womanhood–in a society where our existence so often goes unconsidered and uncelebrated–these paintings are a moment of recognition. They cast aside stereotypes and instead, portray us as we truly are.

Julia Bottoms is a visual artist based out of Buffalo, NY working primarily in oils and acrylic. Her work often addresses the topic of race and identity as it relates to one’s position in the mainstream culture. She views her portraits as an opportunity to reverse the stigma and stereotypes imposed by popular media.

Her work includes a collaboration with the Albright Knox for The Freedom Wall, the Mamie Smith Memorial mural in Cincinnati, OH, the East Delavan Library mural, and more. Her work has been featured on the cover of The Public, in Buffalo Spree, The Challenger, HBO’s Insecure, and online through AfroPunk. Bottoms holds a BA (2012) and a MA (2017) from Buffalo State College.

Contacts for further questions/info/pictures: Exhibiting Artist: Julia Bottoms juliaart4577@gmail.com

Director of BOX Gallery: Jonathan Piret (JP) (716) 870-6856 or boxgallerybuffalo@gmail.com