CODE COULEUR - exhibition by SAMUEL FLEMING
Thomas-Alexandre Dumas (from Encyclopedia Mulattica), ink on paper, 9 x 12"
Code Noir was a decree passed by King Louis XIV of France in 1685 defining the conditions of slavery in the French colonial empire. Skin color played a massive role in the culture and quality of life a person of African descent could expect to experience during the French colonial period.
At the occasion of Black History Month, join us for a exhibition featuring artwork by Samuel Fleming and (re) discover important black figures in French history.
Art is a tool. Every mark can hold meaning. Each piece can serve a purpose.
- Samuel Fleming
Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, Sam Fleming has spent his entire life drawing. At the age of 14, he decided he wanted to become a professional artist after being inspired by other artists on a trip to Times Square. From that moment onward, Fleming aimed to expand and improve his skills however he could, branching out to other media, and experimenting with various styles and subject matter.
Upon reaching age 19, Fleming beganto sell work in art fairs and festivals, and even became a cartoonist for a local newspaper.
During this time, Fleming began to include screen-printed clothing to his inventory and sold them alongside his artwork at pop-up shops and those same fairs. Herberger’s even carried his brand for a time before their closing. In August of 2021, Fleming released a book he wrote and illustrated centered around mixed-race Black people titled Encyclopedia Mulattica ( available as a hard copy for purchase and free as an ebook)
Today, Fleming continues to draw passionately with a heavy interest in pen & ink. He is currently working towards a masters degree in architecture. Despite the interference of COVID-19, he continues to sell his work, primarily online. Recently, he has taken part in the MPLS Sketchbook Project and a related exhibition at Gamut Gallery. Fleming is also working on other projects in a scale similar to that of his book release. In the fall of 2022, Fleming became the cartoonist for theUniversity of Minnesota newspaper, the MN Daily, a position that would conclude after hisgraduation from the school in May of 2024. In the fall of 2022, Fleming released anotherbook titled, Yes, You Can Draw, a work aimed at teaching novice artists how to draw as hedoes with pen and ink. Today, he works as an architectural designer with aspirations to become a sustainability engineer.
After the opening night on Thursday, January 16 at 6 pm, the exhibition will be open to visitors Monday through Thursday 9 am to 7 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm. The exhibition will be on display until February 22, 2025.
This event is free and all are welcome! Registration is not required, but please consider registering and making a $10 donation to support our cultural programs like this one. Your support allows us to continue the presence of cultural programs which benefit our whole community.