Black Rock Arts is thrilled to announce Impressions of Gratuity, an exhibition of works by Joel Mulindwa. The exhibition opens Friday, October 2, with a reception at 5PM.

Impressions of Gratuity is a series of pastel drawings exploring the intersection of labor, gratitude, and economic exchange, through depictions of the humble tip jar. This series, recently concluded, was a focus in Joel's practice for two years. We are delighted to present Impressions of Gratuity in its entirety.

For Joel, tip jars are profound symbols of the economic and social realities shaping contemporary labor. His series invites us to reflect on the meaning of gratitude and the ways in which we determine and assign value in our increasingly transactional lives. In the artist's own words:

"By isolating and elevating these objects, I invite viewers to consider the relationships embedded within them: the tension between obligation and generosity, the contrast between invisibility and recognition, and the quiet persistence of hope and daily work. These drawings challenge us to look closely at what is often overlooked, to see value in the smallest exchanges, and to reflect on the way we acknowledge (or fail to acknowledge) the labor of others."

A related series of worker portraits, Finding Rest, will be shown at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University beginning October 1. Taken together, these exhibitions are a unique opportunity to dive deep into the artist's process, and to gain a clear understanding of the timely and deeply humanist concerns guiding his work.

For more information about the show, and to be notified of the forthcoming artist talk and film screening, join the gallery’s mailing list or follow Black Rock Arts on Instagram.