Writer Jameelah Nasheed takes readers through a pivotal moment in the art scene of Atlanta, the Inaugural Art Fair, that is set to take place in early October 3rd-6th. She speaks with curators Lauren Jackson Harris and Karen Comer Lowe about what is to come.
Curators Lauren and Karen. Photo by Stanchez Kenyata.
The inaugural Atlanta Art Fair, taking place October 3-6, is set to serve as a pivotal moment for the city’s art scene. It will will bring together a dynamic mix of emerging and established artists, curated by two of Atlanta’s leading voices in contemporary art, Independent Curator and Co-Founder of Black Women in Visual Art, Lauren Jackson Harris, and Curator-in-Residence at the Spelman College Museum, Karen Comer Lowe. Both women have worked tirelessly to ensure that this event elevates local artists while also fostering meaningful connections with the broader global art community. Their collaborative vision is centered on showcasing the vibrancy and complexity of Atlanta’s artistic community while promoting growth and expanding the city’s influence beyond regional borders.
A Community-Driven Exhibition
For Harris, the fair offers an opportunity to highlight the wealth of diverse talent that Atlanta has to offer. Her group exhibition, “genteel/gentle,” featuring artists at various stages of their careers, reflects the diversity of experiences and backgrounds that define the city’s art scene. The range of artists, from those just beginning to those who have already established their place in the professional world, is designed to be a reflection of Atlanta’s cultural and artistic richness.
Among the artists Harris is showcasing is Shanequa Gay, a well-known and highly-regarded Atlanta artist whose work Harris felt was particularly well-suited for this platform. She’s also bringing in: Horace Imhotep, a long-time collaborator whose work is steeped in history, Emily Mann, a structural artist whose commercial work has rarely been seen in an art context, Crystal Jin Kim, and newcomer Kyle Ford.
Through these selections, Harris hopes to present a narrative that encourages attendees to observe and interrogate the exhibition’s overarching story and its themes of identity and power dynamics within the American South. “It’s really a story about race and class with the artists that I’ve chosen,” she explains, discussing the intentional inclusion of a Black woman, a Black man, a white woman, a white man, and an Asian woman. “I want people to see that through line — race doesn’t determine success. Our demographic doesn’t determine our success.”
Curators Lauren and Karen. Photo by Stanchez Kenyata.
Global Influences on Local Talent
Comer Lowe’s curatorial focus for the event is to connect Atlanta to the wider art world through her presentation of two internationally-recognized local artists, Pam Longobardi and Navin Norling. “Pam is a long-time Atlanta artist who has been showing here for decades and has been making a major impact, not just here but also around the world,” says Comer Lowe. Longobardi, a conceptual artist and art activist, creates work that calls attention to the environmental crisis of marine plastic pollution. “She finds materials from the bottom of the ocean and creates these dynamic pieces that speak to how we need to improve our environments and take better care of the world,” explains Comer Lowe. Longobardi’s work speaks to both local and global concerns, making her a fitting choice for an event that seeks to bridge Atlanta with the global stage.
Norling, on the other hand, is relatively new to the Atlanta scene but brings with him a unique approach to found materials. Comer Lowe recounts her discovery of his work during the pandemic and her immediate desire to see him on a larger platform. “The work was just that extraordinary,” she says, describing Norling’s intricate use of found objects and the compelling narratives he weaves through his art. “I wanted to present him on this larger stage. He’s newer to Atlanta, but his work deserves this platform.”
Curators Lauren and Karen. Photo by Stanchez Kenyata.
Atlanta as a “Playground” for Artists
For both curators, Atlanta represents a unique opportunity for artists to launch their careers. The city’s art scene is defined by its accessibility and openness, a place where artists can experiment and establish themselves without the need for a formal gallery space. “Atlanta is a playground where anybody can play as long as you push yourself and connect with the right people,” Harris explains.
However, both Harris and Comer Lowe acknowledge that while Atlanta is an excellent city for emerging artists, it can be more challenging for mid-tier and established artists to find sustained support. Many artists build their careers in Atlanta, using it as a stepping stone before moving on to larger, more established art markets like New York or Los Angeles to continue growing their careers. Both curators hope that the Atlanta Art Fair will help shift this dynamic by attracting more attention — and resources — to the city’s mid-tier and high-end artists. “The fair will bring new eyes to us, and that’s what we need,” Comer Lowe says, expressing hope that the event will encourage more investment in Atlanta’s art ecosystem.
A Platform for Growth
Harris and Comer Lowe’s thoughtful curation not only highlights the incredible talent that exists within Atlanta but also raises important questions (and answers) about race, class, and the role of the South in the broader art world. As Harris puts it, “I’m hoping people will see Atlanta as a place that can support the next level of artists.”
This fair represents a significant moment for the city’s art scene. Not only will it offer a platform for local artists to experiment, grow, thrive, and connect with global audiences, it’s giving the city an opportunity to foster dialogue about its future as an art hub and make its mark on the global art stage.
