In the first unveiling of her artwork in a solo exhibition, Schaun Champion conjoins two series of photography: Monuments and A Black Bouquet, offering an intimate reflection on Black joy, identity and commemoration.

In Monuments, Champion explores the idea of monuments and their importance in the cultures of societies. Through capturing and spending time with people who are active in their communities, Champion recognized the lack of ego in her subjects, which led her to probe: what do we collectively identify as “monuments”? What/who is celebrated, and how? Who gets to decide? As we are currently experiencing the removal of certain founding monuments, Champion uses photography as an approach to monumentalize in a different way. As we move forward in expanded consciousness, how can we reconstruct our association with and definition of “monuments”? Are they solely statues, buildings, homes, and museums? Who will decide the next monuments that will stand, and do we even need them? How can portraiture recenter and expand our societal practices of memorializing?

Champion’s intention for A Black Bouquet is to capture Black joy and beauty through the personification of a black flower. Black flowers do exist. A bouquet made of black flowers is just as beautiful as any other flower arrangement. In this series, Champion captures Black humans as her subjects and commemorates their strength, delicateness and natural beauty by reminding her viewers that they are indistinguishable from the flower, and that the very intentional care needed for flowers to grow and thrive is required for her subjects.

Together, Champion encourages the viewer to consider the presence of identity and ego, and through the lens of beauty, she monumentalizes Black joy and celebration.

Monuments and Black Bouquets by Schaun Champion is on display at The Silva Gallery x Latela Curatorial October 20, 2022 - February 12, 2023. Located at The Silva DC: 1630 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun noon-5pm. A public reception will be held for the artist on October 20, 2022 from 6-8pm. All artwork displayed is available for purchase. All inquiries for art purchases should be directed to Latela Curatorial: studio@lateladc.com

About the Gallery: 

The Silva Gallery x Latela Curatorial at the Silva provides additional exhibition opportunities and curated promotion to local artists in the Greater Washington, DC area. The art gallery, located in the building's reception area, is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 5 p.m. For updates on exhibition openings and other art related events, visit here.

About the Artist:

Schaun Champion is an international artist-photographer, director of photography and instructor specializing in natural light, portraiture, fine art and cultural documentary/archival work. Using both digital and analog cameras, she creates intentionally cinematic and honest imagery. Inspired by classic films, music and all things vintage; her intention is to use themes of nature, diversity and nostalgia to illustrate the drama within the familiar.

Champion has worked closely with Oscar-nominated cinematographer Bradford Young and visual installation artists like Sir Issac Julien of the Royal Academy. Her subjects have included fashion designer Bishme Cromartie, actors like André Holland, writers and directors such as Radha Blank, independent/grammy winning musicians like Pink Siifu, as well as friends, family, and people she meets from around the world.

Her work is in both public and private collections in several countries. Champion has exhibited her work internationally through museums and galleries such as the Barnes Foundation, James E. Lewis Museum of Art, Baltimore Museum of Art, Antipode Gallery of Marseille, Deutsches Architekturmuseum (Germany Architecture Museum), Eubie Blake Cultural Center, Washington Project for the Arts and Latela Curatorial.

Champion’s work has been featured internationally through Adobe and publications/networks such as Cultured Magazine, NBC, People Magazine, The New York Times, HBO, NPR, Allure Magazine, Essence Magazine, American Cinematographer Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, Bloomberg Markets, The Washington Post, BmoreArt, Kinfolk, The Afro, BUST Magazine, Roc Nation, i-D Magazine (Arthur Jafa guest edited “Darker” issue) and more.

Artist Statement:

“My creative practice serves as vignettes of quiet moments that draw me in while researching historical and contemporary narratives. With a painterly approach, my vision is to create visual documents involving identity, environment, historical references and time. Inspired by classic paintings, films, books, music and vintage fashion, my goal is to connect to the viewer in an intimate way by using themes of nostalgia and culture. Curiously observing the dance between light and shadow to create a reception that feels personal and almost spiritual.

A two way mirror into my own external and internal journeys.”

About Latela Curatorial:

Based in Washington DC with presence in Los Angeles, Barcelona and Milan, Latela Curatorial is an international art advisory and curatorial studio serving art collectors, design and corporate professionals, institutions, artists, and communities.

For all projects, LC's mission is to continuously question how support is defined in the artworld and to advocate on behalf of the artist and arts workers. LC's attitude is to nurture with a matriarchal approach: creating generative and sustainable opportunities for artists, collectors and communities alike.

About The Silva:

Developed by EastBanc and Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc. and managed by Bozzuto, The Silva features 172 thoughtfully designed apartments ranging from studios to two bedrooms, including 10 penthouse suites, making it the ideal home for residents looking to immerse themselves in the eclectic lifestyle of Adams Morgan while experiencing the best of high-end living. At The Silva, residents will find a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the Capitol and the Washington Monument from the building’s infinity pool, a private courtyard with lush greenery, and within each unit, state-of-the-art appliances and acoustical design.

Prospective residents can learn more about the building and pre-leasing options by visiting www.thesilvadc.com.