By Frances Armstrong

Writer/Reporter

The Gordon Parks Gallery

On a cold cloudy Tuesday afternoon, I was drawn to the gallery with its rainbow of colors. I entered the gallery, and I felt a sense of calmness and serenity. It was as if I escaped to a different place just to take a moment to relax in a quiet, vibrant atmosphere of peacefulness. As I entered the gallery to check out the exhibition, it just so happened that Eyenga was there working with some students from the U of M taking photos of her installations to create a virtual exhibit for future exhibitions. I was intrigued by watching the students go around and take photos. I had a chance to introduce myself to Eyenga and have a conversation about her installations that she created and the meaning behind it. 

 I really enjoyed what she had to say. Eyenga told me that she wanted to create an escape from all the madness. Her new works are meant to represent that there is still hope, and the use of vibrant colors is a reminder that there’s also light that still shines through all the chaos around us, that there is a moment out of the day to take the time to enjoy the small still moments out of your day.  

Not only is her work vibrant, bright, soulful, yet emotional; so is her bubbly vibrant personality. Her fashionista style of clothing is also a match to her work of art. Her passionate, abstract-expressionist style is detailed in all her work along with her voice of artist advice.  

Curious about how she created her installations, I asked her how she created the prints onto the fabric, which gave me the perspective view of a kite-like structure. She said that she had the design printed onto the fabrics and then installed it with a sparkle of light, which brings the glow to her work of art that creates the emotion of free, calm and relaxation. The choice of colors creates a nurturing connection, a site of collective imaging.  

The meaning of her work is about identity, politics and community, and her understanding of the world, creating a place of unity. While I was there, I decided to take a few pictures of her work. It is hard to just pick one favorable piece of her work. It is called Favorable Conditions. It is square shaped, and this painting really stood out to me the most. The colors of purple and some green, peachy tones, black and white speckles of earthy tones, with a pop of spring vibrancy to it, along with a piece of designed tape along the edge of the painting, and if you look really close I can see she incorporated some wilted flowers into the painting. It is unique, creative, and beautifully put together. 

 I am really inspired by her design and her advice. I really enjoyed visiting the exhibition and having the chance to meet Eyenga along with many other artists that I have met and look forward to meeting more in the future. This exhibition has brought bright vibrant conversations and unity to escape all the madness in March. Thank you, Eyenga, for creating Favorable Conditions for our art world.