Fine Art Landmark ZuCot Gallery Partners with Microsoft to Unveil “Presence,” An Exhibition Honoring Black Fatherhood

Tech giant sponsors Zucot Gallery’s first-ever virtual gallery, in conjunction with live exhibition, increasing exposure and access of 40+ dynamic works by famed African American artists,

ATLANTA, June 13, 2022 – ZuCot Gallery, the largest African American-owned fine art gallery in the Southeast, is set to showcase one of its most anticipated exhibitions, “Presence,” a collection of more than 40 contemporary works celebrating Black fatherhood, in all of its forms.

The exhibition will officially launch Friday, June 17, a kick-off to the Father’s Day/Juneteenth Weekend, and will wrap Sunday, August 14.

“The intent of ‘Presence’ is to bring the many nuances of Black fathers to the forefront through art – their emotions, complexities and often-overlooked lives,” said ZuCot partner and curator Onaje Henderson. “The title of it came as I was writing the actual narrative [for the show]. I began to think about the idea of what presence means, how important it is to be in your children's lives and even the presence of my own father. That narrative is rarely told for us, for black men, and that was the impetus behind the show.”

The artists were selected based on conversations Henderson and his ZuCot partners Omari Henderson and Troy Taylor had had with them individually over the years as they talked about their fathers, husbands and the other important men in their lives.

“I thought it was important to have both men and women perspectives and cover everything from the person who did not grow up with a father to the widow whose husband just passed, to the ‘chosen’ father who has raised those who were not his biological children,’ added Onaje.

Nine renowned African American artists were ultimately selected: Chanell Angeli, Georgette Baker, Horace Imhotep, Grace Kisa, Jerry Lynn, Charly Palmer, Steve Prince, Charlotte Riley-Webb and Aaron F. Henderson, who is also the father of the ZuCot partners, Onaje and Omari. The artists’ collections each tell personal stories through distinct perspectives in both the virtual and live gallery spaces.

A Powerful Partnership: Microsoft expands reach, impact of “Presence”

The exhibition is also the first endeavor of ZuCot’s newly-minted partnership with Microsoft, who is powering the exhibition’s virtual component, marking a major milestone in the gallery’s history.

"We are excited to help bring ZuCot Gallery's vision to life with technology solutions that broaden their impact," said Ryan Gaspar, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Microsoft. "It is Microsoft's mission to empower everyone. Using our technology to support this first-ever virtual gallery will democratize access for all while supporting these local artists as they tell their stories to a global audience."

The virtual gallery was specially built for ZuCot by Netherlands-based developer Moyosa Media and will launch in tandem with the in-person show. Microsoft’s investment will also result in new technology in the physical ZuCot Gallery space, allowing the artists to bring their stories, and the stories of their art, to life through short form narratives that will be digitally projected during the show.

“ZuCot’s partnership with Microsoft will not only allow our exhibition to be enjoyed by art enthusiasts and collectors from around the world, but will also hopefully allow the patrons to deepen their connection with the art and the message,” said Henderson.

Both the “Presence” in-person and virtual exhibitions will launch Friday, June 17. The virtual gallery can be viewed by visiting www.zucotgallery.com. The in-person exhibit will be open to the public during normal gallery hours, Saturdays from 12-6 p.m. from Friday, June 17 through Sunday, August 14, free of charge. Appointments will be available throughout the week.