The State of Black Art at the Atlanta Art Fair (2026)
The State of Black Art at the Atlanta Art Fair (2026)
Black Art = Hope. Honoring Our People’s Experiences
Kai Watson, All is Fair… Taking Flight, Oil on canvas 48”x6”. Gallery representation: Morning Dew Gallery.
Black Art in America (BAIA) knows that all it takes is one. One painting, one sculpture, one photograph, one mixed-media piece… Even in a crowd, often there’s one glance that beckons you closer. You know it when you see it. That idyllic artwork that makes you stand still in a take-your-breath-away kind of way.
It’s estimated that 13,500 guests pulled up to Pullman Yards in Northeast Atlanta for the third edition of Atlanta Art Fair held October 1 - 4, 2026, including over 80 galleries - the largest exhibitor roster in the Fair’s history. As first-time exhibitor presence increased, Black Art in America (BAIA) knew it was an opportune time to speak with a number of Black art gallery founders, artists, curators, and gallerists for a “state of Black art.” Plus, you know we won’t hold out on 10 artists' works that made us do a double-take.
One word won out: “ENERGY.” Energy at all levels was witnessed, From smiles and laughter, to reflections by a guest moved to tears; finally seeing her hue represented in a way she’d not experienced before. That’s the power of Black art. When someone stands in front of a piece and becomes really quiet. You know something is happening, mentioned Jessica Ann Peavy, Founder and Director of her now namesake gallery (formerly GPG) in Harlem, New York. Throughout history art tells us what people were going through, how they were living, and what was important to them. Peavy shared that people are investing in our culture and in the preservation of our culture, and it’s more important than ever that our art must be seen.
“All that matters is the art. We want to steward the culture.” - Jessica Ann Peavy
“SEEN,” was the curatorial narrative of Black portraiture featuring works by five artists
represented by Mahogany Gallery in Racine, Wisconsin. All of the works represented were iterations of what it means to see yourself. The art sparked conversations between students, collectors, representatives of arts organizations, and others. “I feel it is a gift for me as a gallerist,” said Scott Terry, Mahogany’s CEO, “Conversations around Black identity and purpose from all walks of life, well, that’s what artwork should really do… make you ask questions to learn more.”
“Black artists are the contemporary voices of what is happening right now in this moment and time, from the political landscape to the cultural landscape.” - Scott Terry
Hailing from Jamaica, a father and son’s art is built upon a legacy of creativity. “Creating is about hope,” said painter Kai Watson, “You start with a blank canvas and a vision comes to life; that’s hope enough for me.” And it’s really a family affair. His father, sculptor Basil Watson has been creating on a grand scale for more than 20 years out of his studio in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Basil’s daughter, Tanya Lewis, administers Morning Dew Gallery, founded just a few months ago. Lewis spoke of the great diversity among the Fair’s Black artists and its patrons who speak to the human experience. “Whether gender, age, socio-economic, even geographical demographics, there’s a really good representation of who we are as Black people,” she said.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Navindren A. Hodges, Director of Bill Hodges Gallery was on a mission to show a wide range of selections so that guests would be able to recognize a few artists' works that some have only read about or maybe only seen in a museum, including works by Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence. Hodges was encouraged by meeting museum directors and curators whose federal funding has been lost, yet they’re not backing down. They continue curating Black art, he said, because “They believe in building the collections that are important to the community.”
Arnika Dawkins, Gallery Owner of Atlanta-based Arnika Dawkins Photographic Fine Art, mentioned leads to follow up with outnumbered actual onsite sales, but what’s priceless is the camaraderie among Black gallerists. She, and others, celebrated galleries who had success placing “red dots.” Dawkins experienced an inspiring reception to Haitian-born Oyè Diran’s work which graced the entire booth. “Art can be a respite from what’s going on in this world. It’s anmunprecedented time we’re living in - and art, intellectually, emotionally, and visually - elevates our time here. Art enriches our lives. I get to live with the art and I want others to have that experience, too!” Dawkins proclaimed.
For many first-time Atlanta Art Fair exhibitors we spoke with, overwhelmingly the reception by Atlanta Art Fair-goers remained positive.The temperature check on sales seemed similar not just among gallerists from the region, but also by some international representations, including South Africa. “Great conversations and lots of sales leads,” as Monna Mokoena, Founder & Director, Gallery MOMO stated. Having exhibited for the past 10 years at the Chicago Expo, Mokoena recalled there were two cities in America where many from Johannesburg traveled to seek exile: Chicago and Atlanta. Atlanta, a full circle moment.
Some gallerists are already planning for Atlanta Art Fair 2027, from thinking about more art for a larger booth space, to ensuring there are multiple price point items available. Ugochi D. Nwonga, Co-owner & Curator, Ovico Gallery (St. Augustine, FL) said the art touches people andthings that they already feel. That’s what gives a sense of hope. Regardless of what society or the environment is saying… it does not change how people really feel and what they want. And we’re here to give them what they want. Black art that they can hold onto and pass down to ther children.” Ovico Gallery featured works from Nigerian contemporary artist, Chike Onuorah (“D’Artist”).
“Black art resonates, and we’re presenting it unapologetically.” – Ugochi D. Nwonga
Here are 10 Black artist’s works that made us do a double-take. When it comes to Black art, Scott Terry said it best, “Black art is legacy. We’re here!”
Guy Stanley Philoche, Be Who You Want to Be, Mixed medium on canvas 30” x 40” (2026). Gallery representation: Jessica Ann Peavy Gallery.
Eddie Ochieng, Half Known, Oil on canvas 59” x 59” (2026). Gallery representation: Jessica Ann Peavy Gallery.
Oyè Diran, Blue Serenity, Archival Pigment Print 20” x 16”. Gallery representation: Arnika Dawkins Gallery.
Basil Watson, The Coronation, Medium Bronze, 32”x12”x11”. Gallery representation: Morning Dew Gallery.
Kai Watson, All is Fair… Taking Flight, Oil on canvas 48”x6”. Gallery representation: Morning Dew Gallery.
Nate Austiin, Daughter of the Unbroken, Acrylic on canvas 48”x36”x2”. Gallery representation: Mahogany Gallery.
Gonçalo Mabunda, O Visionario(The Visionary), De-commissioned weapons, mixed media metal, 20”x18”. Gallery representation: aKAZI Gallery.
Tasha Beckwith, Between Dimensions, Acrylic on wood panel, 36”x24”x2”. Gallery representation: Mahogany Gallery.
Elfreda Dali, In the Garden, Leather, vegan leather, cotton 109x83cm. Gallery representation: aKAZI Gallery.
Lamar Bailey, When Joy Finds You, Mixed media collage on panel 36”x36”. Gallery Representation: Tanya Weddemire Gallery.
