Holocaust Museum Houston will host free admission Sunday, February 18, courtesy of Shell USA, in honor of Black Art Houston. Join Khambrel Marshall at 2 p.m. in conversation with Houston artist Ava Cosey as she reflects on her work including “Ancestor’s Torch” featured in The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, on view in the Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery through June 23, 2024.
From the restless seas and the missing torn out pages of our history books, the “Ancestor’s Torch” painting strives to exemplify the agony of the enslaved trade ship and to relay the bellowing spirit of endurance from our ancestors. Mocking history, resounding words of inventions and contributions by African Americans from the 18th century and beyond are intricately designed by the artist, Ava Cosey which are intertwined throughout the garment.
Cosey, a HBCU Business Education graduate, is a phenomenally gifted artist and printmaker. In 1997, she experienced an epiphany that catapulted her into a creative, remarkable talent.
“Art rejuvenates my soul,” said Cosey. “Led by infinite inspiration and divine guidance, I am fascinated by the startling effect of visualization. I am dedicated to my gift and my passion is to share my God given talents. My goal is to capture the interest of the viewer by creating a visual that will intrigue and invoke emotions which relates to their experiences.”
Cosey works in a variety of mediums, i.e., oil acrylic, pastels, ink and mixed media; and also uses the process of monoprints, silkscreens, etchings, sculpting and fiber. She uses vivid colors, majestic characters and universal themes to paint meaningful images, places and things. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
