Najee Dorsey Featured for Marietta Art Walk at Avisca Fine Art Gallery Friday, September 2, 5:00 pm-9:00 pm

Marietta, GA (August 26, 2011) – Avisca Fine Art Gallery is pleased to present "Leaving Mississippi", an exhibition of mixed media paintings and collages by Atlanta-based artist, Najee Dorsey. The exhibition will open during First Friday Marietta Art Walk on Friday September 2, from 5-9 p.m. The works will be on view through September 9.

Dorsey's "Leaving Mississippi" series reflect a personal journey and an engagement with a history as metaphor. Dorsey's Mississippi County, Arkansas roots emerge in his work as he pays homage to the cast of colorful characters, landmarks, and conditions of Southern life by celebrating the humanity of the Southerner while critiquing aspects of the Southern mentality. Whether portraying folk hero Robert Johnson, Stagger Lee or in his interpretations of the Parlor Room, Dorsey uses his canvas to tell his story as well as communicate the narrative of so many African-Americans, those that stayed and some who left the South in the early part of the 20th century. While the traditional discourse around the Great Migration focuses on blacks searching for a better life against the backdrop of poverty of racial violence, Dorsey's work reflects the complexities of both sides of the story. Leaving Mississippi wasn't simply the quest for greater economic opportunities; it was also about embracing a new identity. Dorsey's art embodies the variety and complexities of what it means to leave home and embark upon new experiences and find success.

Najee Dorsey has exhibited his mixed media paintings in solo and group exhibitions nationally. He has been the recipient of awards that include a 2006 Patrons Purchase Award from the Polk Museum of Art in Georgia. His work can be found in private collections throughout the United States, as well as in Public Collections that include the Museum of African American Art in Dallas, TX; the Marietta Museum of Art (FL); and Liberty Bank and Trust Company in New Orleans, LA.

Exhibition Dates: September 2-9, 2011

Opening Reception: Friday, September 2, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Free and open to the public)

Venue:
Avisca Fine Art Gallery
507 Roswell Street
Marietta, GA 30060
770.977.2732

Gallery Hours: Thursday – Saturday 12 pm – 6 pm

Contact: Byrma Braham
Tel.: 770.977.2732
E-mail: contact@aviscafineart.com
www.aviscafineart.com