Artadia has presented its 2017 Atlanta awards to Clark Ashton and Michi Meko, who each receive $10,000. Applications for the Awards were open to any visual artist living in the Greater Atlanta area. The other finalists were Masud Olufani, Charlina Rose-Renaye Smith, and Tori Tinsley.
After conducting studio visits with each finalist, the winners were selected by Shawnya Harris, Curator of African American and African Diasporic Art at the Georgia Museum of Art, and Teresa Bramlette Reeves, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Zuckerman Museum of Art at Kennesaw State University.
Reeves was on the panel that selected the finalists, along with Anthony Elms, Chief Curator, Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia; Adam McEwen, artist.
“The studios of Michi Meko and Clark Ashton offered two complex visions of a world in flux, yet their works were visually compelling,” said Harris. “I was impressed with their inventive use of materials and their articulation of the symbolically rich meanings that were attached to their works.”
“Clark lives his work—what he believes and how he operates in the world is reflected in the environment he has created. Each object contributes to a larger, impassioned narrative. Part zealot, part humorist, Clark is working to extend and preserve his work and property. Michi is an equally unique man, whose pursuits and interests are wide and deep. I am pleased that this year’s Artadia Awards will make a contribution to two distinct, rich practices,” said Reeves.
