A recap of Artist Forum’s latest art exhibition

On March 29, Artist Forum (@artistforumatlanta) hosted its second annual Women’s History Month Art Exhibition. For the first time, the organization invited vendors to their charming artistic nook. The event featured the participation of fellow SCAD students such as Jordan Binney, Yubi Lee, and Kamille Caldwell, who showcased artworks from their current collections. Local Atlanta artists Stephanie Hanlon, Sofia Cristina, MecSaiel, and Erin Machado were also featured.

The event was meant to highlight local Atlanta female artists, yet it also brought the idea of accessibility in the art world for professionals. The coordinator and genius behind this event, Aliya May (@aliyaslens), revealed how she lacks a traditional artistic background. However, she has been a lover of all things art since her younger years. “Last year, I wanted to acknowledge the month of March [as Women’s History Month], as well as emphasize it in the Atlanta community,” she stated when asked what inspired her to begin this annual event. “It’s always important to feed fresh perspectives to keep [the art industry] evolving … women are still an artistic minority.” 

It is safe to say as a first-time attendee of the Artist Forum exhibition, the event felt welcoming and familial, from the friendly host who scanned the entrance tickets to the vendors. Artists and guests got to mingle and discuss all the works on display. The vendors also presented an opportunity for attendees to participate in activities, such as the beautiful make-your-own-beaded-bracelet table by Jelli Bead (@jellibead). Some of these sellers included Aboriginal The Brand (@aboriginalthebrand), which featured graphic tees and embroidered baseball caps, BinBin Shop (@binbin.giftshop) with beautiful crochet gifts, KMAC Studio (@thekmacofficial), and mystical jewelry from Harmonic Geneses (@harmonic.geneses). 

When entering the space my eyes went directly to the vibrant red paint used in Jordan Binney’s (@jordanlizb) artworks “Last Supper #2” and “Unentitled #6.” I found her talking with other artists wearing a red dress to match her work. During our interview, she mentioned how themes of “vulnerability, betrayal, [and] reclaiming of her body image” are the most present in her collection and identity as an artist. The intense eye-catching red is meant to be a subjective feature as it is the color of passion, anger, and love, according to Binney. “It is also my favorite color,” Binney says. The explicit and grotesque style of her work is meant to give viewers an experience while also exhibiting her own. When asked about her take on women in the artistic industry and the importance of shows and events such as this one, she mentioned how the artistic industry is pretty much male-dominated, and as a child, she was not aware that she could become part of it. Needless to say, Binney’s work is eye-catching and thought-provoking, both violent and beautiful.

Yubi Lee, another fellow SCAD student, mentioned how Binney’s work gives a sense of raw and authentic femininity that can’t be forced. Yubi Lee’s (@ubstudio) work on the other hand seems to showcase different themes of nature and portraiture. Her upbeat and excited personality, which I loved, transcends through her work. “My most prevalent themes are connection with nature, and relationship with the person, as well as exploration of flat dimension and volume. Photography being the flat aspect,” Lee says. Her process for her two showcased artworks, “Softly Next To You” and “Growth No. 1,” is to photograph the subject and input more quality time to the rest of the work. It features pieces of fabric, old papers, paintings, and a gray-scale printed picture of a subject. When asked about her biggest inspirations, Lee mentioned her prevalent French influences. She studied for two years in France and has found herself loving the works of artist Marie Laurencin. She recognized the difference between art in Europe, which is “part of the European lifestyle,” and Atlanta’s art scene, which is still finding its place. When asked about women in art, Lee mentioned how “the art field is beginning to recognize female artists.” There are certain artworks made by women, such as Binney’s, that cannot be replicated by others. 

Next to Lee’s work, a very soft and nostalgic yellow canvas was in exhibition. Artist Maya Pegues (@mayaartinsta) was featured in this exhibition. Her multimedia work, titled “I’m Just a Girl,” features Polaroid pictures, bows, and floral drawings. It was an ode to her inner child. “I paint from whatever I’m experiencing through my life,” she stated. “I do a collage process, which starts with an initial sketch, and as time goes by, I add anything I find interesting.” Perhaps one of the most charming features of Pegues’s work was a small collection of sketches of her friends. “We had a picnic and we all wrote love letters to ourselves and made mini portraits,” Pegues said. “I decided to add them to the painting.” In the middle of these sketches, she attached a Polaroid picture of herself from 2017. “These events are very important since art is a male-dominated industry,” Pegues adds. “We need to give freedom to women when creating.” 

Freedom should also be extended to those not participating in art full-time; that was my takeaway from featured vendor and artist Erin Machado (@e.l.m.art). This year was her second time working with the Artist Forum. She had a colorful table filled with prints of her artwork as well as two fully painted canvases on both sides of her space. She has a 9 to 5 job and makes art for fun, yet chooses to exhibit it. Her work features nature and has a strong sense of her Hispanic heritage. “I also hide little symbols in my artwork,” Machado says. “I had this little bird and I like to feature him in some corners of my works.” When asked if she was influenced by Frida Kahlo, Machado got excited and mentioned how she relates to Kahlo’s heavily symbolic themes and style. “I like how [this event] feels inclusive for all women and all guests.” She mentioned that art doesn’t have to be one’s full-time lifestyle in order to be deemed as an artist, and an artist doesn’t have to reach for expensive materials. “In high school, I used to visit the theater department and grab the old wood from their props and sets,” Machado says. “I also got a lot of materials from a friend as a gift that should last me years!” This upcycled approach to her art has made interesting one-of-a-kind pieces. 

As people began to settle during the event, one thing was made clear: The Artist Forum has successfully created a welcoming atmosphere for artists and art lovers alike. Despite being a relatively new community, it is a tangible demonstration of Atlanta’s artistic and upbeat essence. This event welcomed artists from all walks of life, with different career paths. Despite our city’s artistic scene not being as developed as other major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, there is something unique and lighthearted about it to appreciate. With time, this community and platform will hopefully grow and be able to give space to a bigger and broader group of diverse artists. Yet, it is clear the Artist Forum community is taking advantage of this momentum and expanding its horizons.