SaveArtSpace x DCDG & Co. is proud to present Indelible Imprints, a public art and gallery exhibition in Los Angeles, CA. Opening June 14, 2024. Curated by Delaney George.

The Indelible Imprints selected artists are Devin Wesley, Jordan McRae, and Roger Erickson.

In·del·i·ble /inˈdeləb(ə)l/

Indelible refers to something that cannot be removed, erased, or forgotten; it leaves a lasting and permanent mark or impression. The foundation of America bears the indelible imprint of Black labor, a powerful force that played an instrumental role in shaping the nation's prosperity. From the toil of enslaved individuals to the contributions of Black workers in various industries, to being a primary source of inspiration and creativity today. The resilience and spirit of Black people's invaluable contributions formed the foundation of the nation we have today and we honor that by celebrating the essence of relentless change and unapologetic black expression.

This exhibition serves as a celebration of you and for those who came before you. With this exhibition, we amplify your beauty, your blackness, your ancestors, your voice, the soul within you from which a nation was born. Our uniqueness and indelible power has led us from June 19th, 1865 to present day and we want to show the world!

Opening June 14, 2024, SaveArtSpace will launch public art installations for each selected work on billboard ad spaces in Los Angeles, CA. The public art will be on view for at least one month. Also opening June 14, Gallery 90220, located at 918 E 60th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001, will mount an exhibition with the three selected artists, plus 18 additional artists from the open call. The gallery exhibition will be on view till June 30, 2024.

Selected Artists

Location: Avalon Blvd & E 61st St, Los Angeles, CA

Devin Wesley is a distinguished figurative artist based in Los Angeles. After a remarkable twelve-year career in track and field, Devin made the decision to retire from athletics and follow his true passion: art.

Devin's work masterfully captures the divine essence of Black individuals, shining a light on the expansive spectrum of their emotional and spiritual depth. By employing monochrome techniques to highlight the interplay of light and dark, Devin aims to symbolize life's inherent duality.

Growing up in a predominantly white community and maneuvering through the heteronormative athletic world, Devin experienced a notable absence of Black culture and expression, which posed challenges to his journey of self-discovery as a Black queer man. Drawing from these hurdles, Devin is dedicated to broadening representation by amplifying narratives rarely portrayed in mainstream media. Through his art, he delves into contemporary truths such as mental health, self-love, and the journey of healing from trauma, prompting viewers to reflect on their own biases, perspectives, and beliefs.

Since 2019, Devin's emotive style has not only been featured in select group exhibitions but has also attracted a supportive global clientele. His impact extends into the commercial realm, where collaborations with notable clients like YouTube, Adobe, and BET have broadened the reach of his unique artistic vision.

Connect with Devin on Instagram at @devinwesleyy.

Location: E 65th St & S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Jordan McRae is a multimedia artist, designer, and instructor. With a background in fine art + design technology, his creative practice has led him to work with organizations like Walt Disney Imagineering, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Rhode Island School of Design, where he teaches courses on architecture, marketing, and art as activism.

Connect with Jordan on Instagram at @jmcraez.

Location: E Gage Ave & Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Roger Erickson, a native of Oakland, California, is a distinguished photographer whose journey began at San Francisco State University. Fueled by a passion for editorial photography, he made a pivotal decision to relocate to London, where he would carve out a remarkable career.

In 1990, Roger secured his first commissioned assignments for Select Magazine, capturing the essence of legendary figures like Motörhead, Neil Young, and Crazy Horse. A trailblazer in his field, he achieved a groundbreaking feat in 2003 by becoming the first African American photographer to grace two covers of Vogue Magazine. These covers featured Paulina Rubio on the March cover of Vogue En Espanol and Lily Aldridge on the August cover of Vogue México.

Adding to his repertoire, Roger Erickson curated the third Out100 portfolio issue for Out Magazine in 2017, showcasing his prowess in the realm of portraiture. His photographs offer a unique perspective in American visual culture, with a portfolio that spans across prestigious publications and advertising campaigns for global brands.

Beyond the pages of magazines and billboards, Roger's work finds expression in exhibitions. His solo exhibition, "OUTspoken: Portraits of LGBTQ Luminaries," held at SFAC Galleries in San Francisco City Hall, marked a significant chapter in his artistic journey. He has also contributed to group exhibitions like "Voices for Womankind: Resilience" at One Art Space Gallery in Manhattan and "Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality" at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

Roger Erickson's commitment to diversity and representation extends to filmography, where he has produced two-part short documentary films titled "I Am..." and "Who Am I...". These films have been recognized at film festivals, including the Atlanta Underground Film Festival, Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Q Fest: San Antonio LGBT International Film Festival, and the London-X4 Short Film Festival, where he received an "Honorable Mention."

Through his lens and artistic endeavors, Roger Erickson continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of photography, film, and visual storytelling.

Connect with Roger on Instagram at @rogerericksonphotography.

Curator

Delaney George is a New Orleans-raised visual artist, photographer, curator, director, gallery owner, and co-founder of creative arts agency DCDG & Co. In her practice, George most often portrays the black femme narrative through a series of photoshoots she fully conceptualizes. Most creative epiphanies come to George in a series of dreams or visions. George's work aims to extract feeling from the viewer by consistently portraying themes of nostalgia, femininity, and history re-imagined.

In her career, George has served on several curatorial boards for large scale collections such as the New Orleans Museum of Art and was pronounced the youngest black female photographer to show at Frieze Los Angeles in 2023. George’s work can be found in various private and public collections around the U.S. such as the Charlotte Street Foundation, The New Orleans Contemporary Art Museum and more!

Connect with Delaney on Instagram at @delannii.

Participating Organizations

Founded in 2015, SaveArtSpace is a non-profit organization that works to create an urban gallery experience, launching exhibitions that address intersectional themes and foster a progressive message of social change. By placing culture over commercialism, SaveArtSpace aims to empower artists from all walks of life and inspire a new generation of young creatives and activists.

DCDG & Co. is a creative arts agency and epicenter for artists with visionary ideas, working alongside the brightest young talents in the industry. What sets us apart is that we’re a black-owned agency, artist-led by two of the top creatives who represent the future of art. With a commitment to fresh and unique perspectives, we ignite a creative spark for top brands in fine art and extraordinary activations. Beyond our passion for art and innovation, we offer brand consultation, art advisory, and artist representation. Join us in a world of boundless creativity and endless possibilities at DCDG Agency!

Connect with DCDG & Co. on Instagram at @dcdg.co

At Gallery 90220, we strive to provide an accessible platform for emerging and underrepresented artists who reflect our roots and our journey coming from Black and Brown communities. By hosting think tanks, podcasts and promoting collaboration with like-minded trailblazers, we build the foundation to serve as a creative hub, melting pot, and artistic focal point in Los Angeles. Our mission is to be the premier art gallery and community safe haven for creatives of color to freely voice their unique expressions to our city and beyond.