GAINING PRIDE WITH PROMISES BROKEN
The Decision 2021
Stand to attention! Chaz Guest has a powerful new solo exhibition at the Night Gallery in Los Angeles.
In Gaining Pride with Promises Broken, Guest has his eye firmly on the future, even though he looks back at the past for his inspiration. Guest is reclaiming history. He is asking us to re-consider those at the cutting edge of a broken promise and see people with pride and hope in their domestic life regardless of the obstacles they face.
The broken promises Chaz refers to are very particular. The work is set in the 1940’s as men are returning from World War II. They are ready to make good on the reward of financial security in the GI bill as recognition for their service. What they encounter is an unchanged society and even more discrimination, such as redlining. One can feel the history of the world in the eyes of Master Philpot.
Master Philpot, 2020 © Chaz Guest
"She's Got His Back," 2020 © Chaz Guest
Patience, 2022© Chaz Guest
“How did Y’all get to Nigga?” 2020 © Chaz Guest
Spanish philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Artist Chaz Guest paints to remind us of our past and in so doing asks us what we would like our future to be.
Read more about Chaz Guest and his show in the Guardian piece. Or better still, go and see the show for yourself if you are in LA.
Read more about the artist here
Gaining Pride with Promises Broken
NIGHT GALLERY SOUTH
2276 E 16th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021
JUNE 25 – JULY 30, 2022