artist nina chanel abney’s dope solo in los angeles

“Royal Flush” is the debut solo museum exhibition by contemporary Black artist Nina Chanel Abney (b. 1982). A 10-year survey of the Chicago-born painter’s work, “Royal Flush” explores the complex social dynamics of urban life, Black identity and storytelling through big-canvas oils, watercolors, and collages. Informed by the mainstream news media, hip-hop and celebrity culture, video games, and tabloid magazine Abney paint frenzied, dynamic scenes featuring unapologetic figure paintings, stream-of-consciousness messaging to stimulate internet immediacy and the inescapable 24-hour news cycle. With smart commentary and sharp, January satire, “Royal Flush” presents viewers with scathing commentary about the world around them.

Nina Chanel Abney
Untitled (Yo 123), 2015
Unique ultrachrome pigmented print, spray paint, and acrylic on canvas
56 × 56 in. (142.24 × 142.24 cm)
Private collection
Image courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
© Nina Chanel Abney
Nina Chanel Abney
Untitled (Ex X), 2012
Acrylic on canvas
42 x 30 inches (106.68 x 76.2 cm)
Collection of Sara Levinson
Image courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
© Nina Chanel Abney
Photo: Peter Paul Geoffrion.
Thieves Guild in Oblivion, 2009
Acrylic on canvas
55 ½ × 67 in. (140.97 × 170.18 cm)
Private collection
Image courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
© Nina Chanel Abney

“Royal Flush” is on exhibition now through January 20, 2019 jointly at the Institute of Contemporary Art and the California African American Museum.