FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago, IL – January 31, 2025 – Tangerine Gallery is proud to announce the opening of “Love and Paranoia”, a compelling dual solo exhibition featuring the evocative works of Elijah Barnes and Peja. Running throughout the month of February 2025, this exhibition sets the stage for a series of special events celebrating both New Black History and the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
“Love and Paranoia” explores the intricate themes of love, identity, and the contemporary experience of being Black, weaving together narratives of beauty, struggle, and confusion. The exhibition’s thematic duality reflects the complexity of the modern Black experience, capturing both the passion of love and the underlying tension of paranoia.
Artist Reception:
Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
“As a gallerist, you tend to gain an emotional connection to the work shown in your space,” said Christian Hendricks, curator and founder of Tangerine Gallery and The Black Yuppie. “You study every line and detail to the point where it resonates with your storyline. That’s what makes this work from Elijah Barnes and Peja so special. Inadvertently, this exhibition came together and illustrated the feeling of being Black at this moment, through all of its beauty and confusion.“
About Peja
Jermaine Jackson Jr., known professionally as Peja, is a Chicago-born and based artist specializing in abstract painting. Utilizing a bold, contrasting palette, he explores themes of race, identity, and self. His artistic journey began in photography—a background that has deeply influenced his unique approach to painting by emphasizing storytelling and framing.
About Elijah Barnes
Born in 2003, Elijah Barnes is a photographer and visual artist based in Chicago, Illinois. Since beginning his career in 2020, he has used his work to portray contemporary life with a soft and timeless feel. Best known for his striking, creative conceptual portraits, Elijah reimagines existing narratives of Black culture and often explores themes of utopia. His goal is to tell Black stories, celebrate Black beauty and identity, and capture perspectives of freedom drawn from his life and surroundings.
About Tangerine Gallery
Developed under The Black Yuppie Creative House in the Fall of 2024, Tangerine Gallery is a contemporary art gallery dedicated to fostering a creative community while highlighting some of the best visual artists in the city.
Contact:
Tangerine Gallery powered by The Black Yuppie Creative House
1029 W 35th St., Unit #312
Chicago, IL 60609
Phone: 773-724-0690
Instagram: @tangerinegallerychi
Email: info@theblackyuppie.com
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