HUE: A Visionary Unveiling
Stepping into the South Dade Black History Center on the evening of December 8, 2023, at 7 pm, attendees are transported into a realm where the urban contemporary artistry of Eric HUE Houston takes center stage. The 2023 Basel South Black Art Show emerges as a beacon of artistic brilliance, converging the essence of culture, community, and creativity. The South Dade Black History Center is tasked with educating residents on the major contributions made by black communities to Miami-Dade County’s infrastructure, cultural and social histories. The 2023 exhibition marks a pivotal moment for the former University of Miami Linebacker and Fullback Eric HUE Houston. HUE assumes the spotlight as the featured artist during the Basel South Black Art Show and didn’t disappoint. As the gallery pulsates with the energy of Miami Art Week HUE’s work hangs prominently, enticing viewers into a world of contemporary urban visual storytelling.
Black Art in Action
Within his newest works of art, HUE shares with us a new direction that his distinctive abstract style is taking. To that end, the newest artworks are a melting pot of HUE’s earlier work. The iconic portraiture of HUE and HUE’s uniquely satisfying serpentine abstract style merge together on to canvas.
Ball HAWK
In particular, the large 48″ x 60″ acrylic painting featuring Hall of Famer Ed Reed titled Ball Hawk, delivers a dynamic portrayal capturing the strategic dance of anticipation on the football field and in life. Correspondingly, Ed Reed appears at the University of Miami on the left charging forward in two instances with an interception as a hurricane rages through the night sky above ‘The U’. Likewise, right side of the work describes a similar scene during his career with the Baltimore Ravens. The entire piece is woven together by the each team’s colors as the fold into the each team’s crowd engulfing the Vince Lombardi trophy as two Ibis fly off into the distance.
Big Bean
Additionally, the colossal 30″ x 40″ Big Bean is a tribute to the legendary Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant. Inspired by HUE’s 2020 drawing of Kobe, this piece pays homage to the indomitable spirit of the Black Mamba.
Neighborhood Nip
Similarly, the 30″ x 40″ abstract portrait of Nipsey Hussle, Neighborhood Nip, pays tribute the late rapper and community icon. Both Big Bean and Neighborhood Nip make use of converging Hard Edge shapes of color that meet to create the likeness. Simultaneously, from behind each icon radiate strobes of light that cut through a gold background.
D’Sean Perry
D’Sean Perry, is a former UVA football player that senselessly and tragically lost his life on campus. This piece, incorporating HUE’s abstract style in the background, is a testament to the harmonious fusion of love, art, and football that echoed through the exhibition in his honor. With D’Sean’s essence in mind I created this piece to honor and immortalize his pursuit of excellence and self expression.
Chronicles of Richmond Heights and Black Art
To begin with the, the evening unfolds with a compelling commencement speech by Dennis C Moss. Coupled with HUE taking center stage, his words are strokes on an invisible canvas. HUE is narrating the profound influence of Richmond Heights on his artistic development. Chronologically, he weaves a tale of inspiration drawn from the very streets that cradled his creativity.
Indeed, HUE’s speech is a living work of Black Art. Each sentence resonates with the echoes of his neighborhood. The audience travels through the streets of Richmond Heights as spectators to the inspiration that influences his Black Art. In other words, HUE’s community, diversity, and shared experiences unfolded like a mural, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those present.
The Unveiling: Basel South Black Art Show
Likewise, expressing gratitude to the attendees, Dennis C. Moss opens the doors to the gallery. The atmosphere buzzes with anticipation as the night of Black Art unfurls its wings. Black Art enthusiasts begin to enter into a space where every stroke by all of the artists tells a story. Meanwhile, a live saxophonist serenades the senses. The soulful melodies intertwine with the Black Art feast before the eyes. At this point Ms. Tawana paints onto canvas in real-time, capturing the energy and spirit that pervades the space. Also, complementary cocktails along with wine accompany a symphony of culinary flavors add indulgence to the night.
A Kaleidoscope of Black Art
Accordingly, the gallery is a canvas for Black artistic diversity. The Basel South Black Art Show features other notable Black visual artists alongside HUE. The juried exhibition includes multiple works from Rodney Royal, Frederick Rich, Keyon White-Royal, Fred Thomas, Ms. Tawana, and Marvin Weeks. Each of these artist contributes to the visual symphony of the 2023 Basel South Black Art Show. Each artist delivered a unique perspective, creating a kaleidoscope of styles that mirrored the eclectic spirit of urban contemporary art.
Concluding A Night of Black Art and Excellence
In like fashion, the night unfolds and the Basel South Black Art Show of 2023 etches itself into the memory of those present. It’s not merely an exhibition; it’s a celebration of the interconnectedness of Black Art, culture, and community. HUE’s vision resonates with the rhythm and vibe of Richmond Heights. In the heart of Miami, a masterpiece unfolds, and leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of Black Art.
The South Dade Black History Center (SDBHC) was the vision of former County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss who wanted a way to capture and preserve South Dade’s rich black history.
Moss realized that the pioneers of Richmond Heights, West Perrine, Goulds, Naranja, Homestead and Florida City were passing on and taking to the grave the oral and visual history of these black communities. As a result, the South Dade Black History Center was created to preserve that history.
On June 2, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners approved an ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee to create The South Dade Black History Center Advisory Board at the Larcenia J. Bullard Plaza.
