Art
should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. ~ Banksy
A pop-up art show, seemingly simple and nearly frivolous in name, and yet anything but in reality, particularly given the show's name, Inspirational Overflow. Such was the experience of the showing hosted by Athlone Clarke and his beloved family on Saturday night at the ambient + studio on Wells Street in southwest Atlanta.
Jamaican born Athlone Clarke is an artist, poet, and living art in his demeanor. Currently an Atlanta resident, he has created and shaken the hearts and minds of his followers for decades. His work, paintings, mixed media, and sculptures, range from provocative and disconcerting to the warmly familiar akin to that evoked by honeyed tea offered in the kitchen of a loved one. Supported by his family, Athlone shared work from his private collection, pieces previously unseen by the public. “This was not my first major solo show in Atlanta, but it is the first one where I had full and total curatorial control. I wanted my show to coincide with Jean-Michel Basquiat’s show at the High Museum, and to commemorate its record breaking attendance. I wanted to highlight my own work, but to also welcome his spirit to the Atlanta, which some consider the New York of the South.” Whether experienced as provocative or evocative, art show beneficiaries returned to their homes not only with new art for their collections but also contemplations, sensations, and memories reminiscent of a night’s passion spent tangled in fervently rumpled sheets. It is virtually impossible to experience Athlone’s art without looking deep inside oneself for previously unearthed truths.
A pop-up art show, seemingly simple and nearly frivolous in name, and yet anything but in reality, particularly given the show's name, Inspirational Overflow. Such was the experience of the showing hosted by Athlone Clarke and his beloved family on Saturday night at the ambient + studio on Wells Street in southwest Atlanta.
Jamaican born Athlone Clarke is an artist, poet, and living art in his demeanor. Currently an Atlanta resident, he has created and shaken the hearts and minds of his followers for decades. His work, paintings, mixed media, and sculptures, range from provocative and disconcerting to the warmly familiar akin to that evoked by honeyed tea offered in the kitchen of a loved one. Supported by his family, Athlone shared work from his private collection, pieces previously unseen by the public. “This was not my first major solo show in Atlanta, but it is the first one where I had full and total curatorial control. I wanted my show to coincide with Jean-Michel Basquiat’s show at the High Museum, and to commemorate its record breaking attendance. I wanted to highlight my own work, but to also welcome his spirit to the Atlanta, which some consider the New York of the South.” Whether experienced as provocative or evocative, art show beneficiaries returned to their homes not only with new art for their collections but also contemplations, sensations, and memories reminiscent of a night’s passion spent tangled in fervently rumpled sheets. It is virtually impossible to experience Athlone’s art without looking deep inside oneself for previously unearthed truths.
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Sometimes the things we are drawn to are just what we need for our healing
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| "Ring De Abeng. Visual Neo-linguist." Athlone and Fleetwood collaboration |
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| Homecoming. The Maroon in all of us. |
Ever humble,
the artist was appreciative of those who came to support his vision of an
uncensored show from his private collection.
In response to those who embraced his work, Athlone declared “Once again, it validates
for
me the fact that I have chosen the right path. I am honored and humbled. Sending
you all much gratitude and love.”
On the right path you are, Athlone, and so many of those who attended are
grateful that their path crossed yours!
As Athlone often says, "One
Love!"
~ Mk Michaels
