“Swim Lesson” (2021) by Khari Turner
On View presents images from noteworthy exhibitions
FOR HIS FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION in New York, Khari Turner is presenting all new paintings that explore notions of birth and rebirth at Ross-Sutton Gallery. “Khari Turner: Breathing Water to Air” features 12 works, including several tondos. Turner’s images blend figuration and abstraction, connecting the body with nature, both visually and materially. Enveloped in foliage and immersed in bodies of water, his subjects channel spirituality, mysticism, and ritual. The Milwaukee, Wisc.-born artist continues to incorporate water from rivers, lakes, and oceans in his paintings, drawing meaning from his personal biography and larger narratives of Black history. In his latest works, Turner combines oil, watercolor, charcoal, ink, and sand with water from the Lower Manhattan docks, Milwaukee River, Lake Michigan, and the Pacific Ocean. For the first time, he also sourced water from the coast of Senegal. In addition, his materials include various woods—African mahogany, yellow pine, white oak—and plexiglass. Turner lives and works in Harlem. He has said his new body of work is the strongest he has ever produced. Few would dispute the assertion. CT
“Khari Turner: Breathing Water to Air” is on view at Ross-Sutton Gallery in Soho, New York, July 10-Aug. 7, 2021. Prices range from $10,000-$50,000
FIND MORE about the exhibition and Ross-Sutton Gallery, a Black-owned gallery founded by Destinee Ross-Sutton
KHARI TURNER, “Everything in the Universe Has a Rhythm, Everything Dances,” 2021 (multimedia on canvas, 72 x 72 inches). | © Khari Turner, Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
Installation view of “Khari Turner: Breathing Water to Air,” Ross-Sutton Gallery, New York, N.Y., July 10-Aug. 7, 2021. | Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
KHARI TURNER, “The Passion to be Found,” 2021 (mixed-media on canvas, 48 x 48 inches). | © Khari Turner, Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
Installation view of “Khari Turner: Breathing Water to Air,” Ross-Sutton Gallery, New York, N.Y., July 10-Aug. 7, 2021. | Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
KHARI TURNER, “Thank You For Being My Lighthuse,” 2021 (multimedia on canvas, 60 x 72 inches). | © Khari Turner, Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
KHARI TURNER, “Phantom in the Rear View,” 2021 (mixed-media on board, diptych, 48 x 48 inches). | © Khari Turner, Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
Installation view of “Khari Turner: Breathing Water to Air,” Ross-Sutton Gallery, New York, N.Y., July 10-Aug. 7, 2021. | Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
KHARI TURNER, “No Secret in this Secret Garden,” 2021 (mixed-media on canvas, 48 x 48 inches). | © Khari Turner, Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
KHARI TURNER, “A Harmony of Spirit,” 2021 (mixed-media on panel, 48 x 48 inches). | © Khari Turner, Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
Installation view of “Khari Turner: Breathing Water to Air,” Ross-Sutton Gallery, New York, N.Y., July 10-Aug. 7, 2021. | Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
KHARI TURNER, “Heart’s Swallow,” 2021 (mixed-media on canvas, 72 x 72 inches). | © Khari Turner, Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
KHARI TURNER, “It’s About a Place,” 2021 (mixed-media on canvas, 9 x 9 feet). | © Khari Turner, Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
TOP IMAGE: KHARI TURNER, “Swim Lesson,” 2021 (multimedia on canvas, 72 x 72 inches). | © Khari Turner, Courtesy the artist and Destinee Ross-Sutton
FIND MORE about Khari Turner on his website
