This March, 1515 Lincoln Gallery presents Life in Black and White, a compelling group exhibition that explores diverse themes, styles, and mediums—unified through black-and-white or monochromatic compositions. Curated by Serbian artist Bojan Grof, who is also featured in the show, the exhibition brings together artists with distinct perspectives, emphasizing the power of contrast and nuance.
Gallery owner and director Susan McCalmont collaborated with Grof in developing the exhibition. Grof’s work critically examines contemporary cultural conditions, often addressing themes of social exclusion, freedom, poverty, and war. His monochromatic approach reflects on the human impact on wildlife and draws inspiration from everyday objects. The gallery is honored to have him as curator for this thought-provoking exhibition.
The idea for Life in Black and White emerged from conversations between McCalmont and Grof, who noticed many artists share a love for black-and-white work and saw an opportunity to unite them. "First, the main idea was to bring together artists working in black-and-white or monochromatic styles, whether on paper or canvas," Grof says. "Second, I wanted to balance male and female artists to contrast perspectives—the rational against the intuitive—and highlight the beauty of diversity.
He continues, "Most people see life in black and white, while some recognize the complexity of gray. Living in black and white can create a false sense of security and control, whereas embracing shades of gray may bring uncertainty but also open the. mind. Whether you come to explore the dialogue between black and white in these artworks or simply to enjoy unique contemporary art, this exhibition aims to reveal the beauty within contrast and nuance."
The selected artists, either represented by the gallery or part of its Found Art Collection, each bring unique and contrasting viewpoints. Yet, through the absence of color, their works find unity. Marc Barker creates stark yet poetic "cloudscapes," capturing the. essence of clouds while infusing them with a sense of humanity. Chris Brizzard produces dynamic works that balance realism and abstraction, often depicting figures, animals, and landscapes with a visual sense of deconstruction. Josette Simon-Gestin crafts whimsical and dreamlike worlds, featuring women exploring expansive landscapes and seascapes. The exhibition also features works by Jon Burris, James Cobb, Katherine Liontas-Warren, Danny Joe Rose III, and more.
