Galerie Camille Pouyfaucon, 19 rue Guénégaud, Paris 6

Camille Pouyfaucon Gallery is pleased to present the solo show Everything that Glitters is Gold by African-American artist Adrian Armstrong, on view from June 13 to July 13, 2023. 

Born in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska, Adrian Armstrong lives and works in Los Angeles, California. He received his BFA from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 2014. He is a multidisciplinary artist, whose art practice encompasses drawing, painting, installation, and sound. His work documents contemporary black experiences in the United States and is particularly interested in how these experiences intersect with the history of photography, portraiture and collage.

Armstrong uses his friends, family members, and acquaintances as subjects to create works that explore the influence of popular culture and birthplace on the formation of self-image. He also depicts himself in his paintings as an “ordinary man,” appearing alone or in a group.

Armstrong combines several techniques and textures, such as ballpoint pen, acrylic paint and collage. His works are intentionally left incomplete, inviting the viewer to collaborate and imagine how they would finish the work.

In intimate and poignant settings, his figures often embody a wide range of psychological states, including joy, happiness, introspection and dysphoria. Armstrong's work challenges the viewer to take a fresh look at familiar scenes. Ultimately, his work is an exploration of the complexities of identity. He wishes to highlight the importance of community and how crucial it is to accept each other despite our differences.

The exhibition Everything that Glitters is Gold refers to the cultural significance of gold associated with African culture as a symbol of wealth, prosperity and royalty. On the other hand, the glittering elements evoke a sense of celebration and joy. They are incorporated into the artistic expressions of the Black community in Austin to celebrate their unity.