Chicago born, Nigerian Raised creative, Obi Soulstar, is a man of many talents. The artist, photographer and musician recently added gallery owner to his list of accomplishments. The Electriqsoul Hideout Studios located at 216 S. Jefferson Street, serves as an art gallery, photography studio and creative space for the art minded. The pandemic and events of 2020 pushed Obi Soulstar to return to his love of art and photography. With the loss of revenue as a musician and with the challenges of 2020, Obi says his art and photography helped to distract himself from the dark space he was slipping into. The result was a collection of art and photography that captured the challenges of 2020.
“It’s hard to say something good came out of 2020 but for me, my life was like a snow globe that finally sat down and everything settled”.
Black/Life in America 2020 documents one of the most challenging years in powerful art and imagery. Obi Soulstar captures the pandemic, racial unrest and aspects of black life in Chicago in stunning black and white photographs taken over the course of the year. In a powerful compliment to the photography, Obi Soulstar creates equally powerful paintings highlighting the pain felt by many during an incredibly painful time in America. Powerful statements on George Floyd, the Criminal Justice System and the pandemic artfully displayed in vibrant color and equally bold and powerful social commentary. The Black/Life in America 2020 exhibit is balanced in emotion with incredible three-dimensional mixed media art that allows you access into the mind of a creative.
Images of Prince, Lenny Kravitz and Chance the Rapper and others are created using various sustainable materials and mediums. Obi has experimented with sustainable products since he was a child, often creating holiday decorations out of Styrofoam. Each piece is a creative expression reflecting the soul, passion and imagination of the artist. The Black/Life in America 2020 exhibit takes you on a journey of Obi Soulstar’s artistic expression.
The art featured is available for viewing on April 24 and May 1 from 7pm-9pm at the Electriqsoul Hideout Studios located at 216 S. Jefferson, Suite 100, in Chicago. Find Obi Soulstar and his incredible work on social media @Obisoulstar.
Danielle Sanders is a writer and journalist living in Chicago. Find her on social media @DanieSandersOfficial.
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