Rich Mix Gallery is proud to announce an exhibition of new works by renowned African-American artist Ben Jones. Consisting of nine large-scale acrylic paintings and twenty drawings on paper, Evolution-Revolution is the first major international exhibition to be featured at Rich Mix’s newly renovated gallery space.

Having come to prominence during the Black Arts Movement of the 70’s, Jones fast became known for his ability to balance the political with the spiritual. His practice is routed in social activism and an enduring commitment towards imploring his viewers to seek and attain a higher level of consciousness and worldly awareness.

In Evolution-Revolution Jones has remained faithful to his contextual style, layered surfaces and diverse sources of inspiration. His new wallpaper series examines contemporary political realities against the backdrop of the planet’s mounting ecological concerns. For Jones, it is essential to connect with the viewer’s sense of commonplace and in doing so prepare them for a different kind of confrontation. From a distance, the panels appear typically warm and repetitive in nature, but up close, they delve into serious topical issues. Thank you BP (2010) playfully documents the grim conflict between nature and big business; and Clear Truth Wallpaper (2010) is a prophetic and philosophical representation of potential and hope. Collectively, these images challenge current greed-derived inequalities that simultaneously harm rich and poor alike. They are a call for justice and greater concern for life on this planet.

Event Listings

Private View on 13 January from 6pm - 10pm with Peter Edwards Trio
In Conversation with Ben Jones on 17 January from 7:15pm
"What's Your Issue?" - Mixed Media Art Workshop with Ben Jones for artists ages 16 -25