Woke3 has long been considered an influential, imperative figure in Nashville’s art scene — specifically in the North Nashville community, where Woke’s style has developed from graffiti and murals into gallery-ready paintings that are as strong conceptually as they are formally. This exhibition of his ongoing I AM series at The Forge is an ideal way to experience his work. The series involves portraits painted directly on collaged archival materials, and it’s something of a breakthrough in the artist’s already notable career. One of the works, “Ms. Hattie Margaret Parham,” even got a writer’s choice award from contributor Joe Nolan in our Best of Nashville issue. “The portrait of an elderly woman painted on an assemblage of vintage seed and feed bags is one of the most striking works of art I saw all year,” writes Nolan. The combination of portrait-painting and vintage industrial materials is something Woke hopes will create “a visual dialogue between being perceived as a commodity and expressing authentic individuality.” Come see if you recognize any of the figures in his works at Thursday’s opening.
Opening reception 6-9 p.m. at The Forge; through March 8
217 Willow St.
