By Vee L. Harrison

(CHICAGO) – The Chicago Black art ecosystem is strong and global. From The American Negro Exposition in 1940; to the formation of the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) in 1940; to countless movements originating here like BAM and AFRICOBRA; to recently launched collectives like the Kulture Museum, the art scene in Chicago has always been fire. When EXPO CHICAGO, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art opens April 7 – 10th, the Black art ecosystem will be on full display. Pigment International®, a Black woman led, multi-media art platform and magazine publisher, will be documenting Black art joy as a media partner to this year’s EXPO. Pigment will showcase the works of artists James Nelson, Dana Todd Pope, D. Lamar Preston and Ariana Vaeth and offer the latest edition of its Pigment Magazine. Previous issues of the magazine will be available, as well as unique art collectibles.

By Vee L. Harrison

The Afrofuturism movement in art uniquely merges science fiction, Black culture, and Black history in spaces that are dedicated to helping preserve its relevance and value in the arts, globally. Illinois Humanities, recently hosted a virtual event to spark dialogue about this three-dimensional, extraterrestrial art realm and its relationship to Black history. Illinois Humanities hosted AFROFUTURISM: A VIRTUAL CONVERSATION on the 154th birthday of W.E.B. DuBois, author of the 1920’s Afrofuturist, sci-fi short “The Comet”. The event featured a discussion with Chicago’s critically acclaimed filmmaker, dancer, scholar, and award-winning author of Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci Fi & Fantasy Culture (2013) Ytasha Womack, and curator, scholar, professor and bestselling author of a variety of graphic novels, John Jennings.

(CHICAGO) – Pigment International today announced that the Fall/Winter 2022 edition of its award winning Pigment Magazine will be released this week. The centerpiece of the issue features an exploration of how Black artists will be instrumental in creating the public square of the future in a piece titled “Capturing a Moment In Time.” Self-identified Igbo Vernacular, Nigerian-based artist Rewa Udoji created the cover work for this issue titled Somoto in Pink Jeans. Her work was most recently exhibited during Art Miami this December. Pigment International’s premier magazine was a 2021 Ozzie Award Winner for “Best Cover Design” for magazines under 225K subscribers. The cover featured the work of internationally acclaimed artist Deborah Roberts.

(CHICAGO) –OUTFRONT Media, Inc. today announced the inclusion of Pigment International founder Patricia Andrews- Keenan in its Women's HERstory Month Campaign highlighting leading women across a diverse spectrum of industries. The campaign titled, Lifted Up, applauds 40 of today's leaders for the impact of their achievements, while also acknowledging those who helped make them possible: the women who came before. This messaging provides positive visual representation for future generations of women while also promoting the importance of female mentorship and support.