Celebrated visual artist and Gullah cultural ambassador Leroy Campbell embraces his African roots and the journey to self discovery with the debut of his first coffee table book, My Authentic Self, during the holiday pop-up gallery at The Sol Studio (located at 2073 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., between 123rd St. and 124th St., New York, NY, 10027) November 19, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The gallery will also feature works from Campbell's artist friends April Harrison, Charly Palmer, Maurice Evans, Najee Dorsey, Phyllis Stephens and Sara Bunn. For Campbell, this book release is a celebration of life and purpose.
A colorful, thought-provoking collage of literary and artistic mediums, My Authentic Self, strips Campbell of any pretenses to uncover the soul's truth. With over 90 pages, the uniquely designed hardback travels through pivotal moments of his life utilizing the themes of family, education, love, music and the discovery of artistry. Artwork is accompanied by short proses, mantras and poems to give insight into personal challenges like witnessing domestic violence and then being protected by a traditionally-involved community comprised of neighbors, loved ones and acquaintances. Other illustrations include his trek from being a Charleston, South Carolina native ashamed of his roots to a proud Gullah cultural educator and prosperous visual artist living in New York City, and acquiring celebrity clients
Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Joyner and Terry McMillian.
"I was born in Charleston, South Carolina during a time period when no one wanted to be Gullah, Geechee, Black or African," says Campbell. "I was born with a birth defect and my parents were uneducated. They had struggles and, therefore, I had struggles that I'm still working to heal. But I'm a work in progress. I'm always working on myself. And I just love where I am now." For readers, My Authentic Self is not only inspiration from one man's journey, but also a challenge to reflect on their lives and see the infinite potential to be whole.
In addition to the open book release, there will be a limited edition offering an exclusive image from the Family Collection. "Family has always been the foundation of my work. I always champion family before individualism, and then community, the nation and the world," he explains. The exclusive image will be in a specially designed box filled with decorative linen, and a certificate of authentication.
My Authentic Self pop-up gallery will run November 19, 2015 to December 20, 2015 at Harlem's The Sol Studio. Mondays are by appointment only. "Families can read this book together," he says. "It can be a bedtime children's book. Its creative design and narrations of the human experiences make it a book for everyone."
For more information about My Authentic Self pop-up gallery, please visit: www.thesolstudio.com
For more information about Leroy Campbell, please visit: www.leroycampbelloriginals.com
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