WHITE HOT MAGAZINE

“Identity” doesn’t work as some static, black and white idea of what it means “to be” you. It’s a constantly evolving and layered collage of lived experience that can even, at times, paste several different incongruent memories together. Fragmented memories, when confused with legitimate emotions tied to them, can seem as real as the hardened edges of a diamond. They are the cubic zirconia of personal histories that still inform who we are. But is the accuracy of fugazi memory more important than the very real emotions tied to them? Philadelphia-based artist O’Neil Scott paints what he sees, remembers, and just as important, what he feels. His practice is a profound excavation of “self” that travels through the fractured lens of childhood migration, family and cultural histories, and the dual consciousness of an American artist who is one with the Jamaican diaspora. As identity can seem an exercise in contradictions, so can Scott’s artwork; his contemporary hyper-realistic portraits in oil paint are heavily influenced by the works of old masters, and are as much about internal psychological landscapes as they are about external social commentary.

Los Angeles, CA – Tanya Weddemire Gallery, in partnership with Hamilton-Selway Fine Art, presents HERE NOW and THEN, a group exhibition rooted in the lived realities, memory, and enduring legacy of the Black Diaspora. The exhibition is on view February 25 – March 15, 2026, with an opening reception on Wednesday, February 25th, 5:00 – 9:00 pm. In the exhibition, Tanya Weddemire Gallery features works by artists Gregory Saint Amand, Moses Salihou, O’Neil Scott, Floyd Strickland, and Candice Tavares, and Hamilton-Selway Fine Art features works by artists Jean-Michel Basquiat, Julie Mehretu, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley. Together the artworks in HERE NOW and THEN offer a distinct yet interconnected perspective on Black identity across time, place, and experience.

A quick Google search will tell you that Tanya has made an impact on the art world. In three years of existence, the Tanya Weddemire Gallery has been featured in numerous local and national publications, her exhibitions featuring black artists with cultural messages have made a lasting impact in Brooklyn, and her story which takes her from Montego Bay to New York is a known and worthy read. 

ASUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11) – Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across US history and society, from activists and civil rights pioneers to legends living today. But it is also a time to shine a spotlight on emerging black female artists.

Last month, Artemizia Foundation acquired YOUNG KING by acclaimed Haitian-American artist Guy Stanley Philoche to display in the museum gallery. The piece came from Philoche's gallery in Brooklyn, Tanya Weddemire, after AF saw the artist's work in the 2024 LA Art Show. 

​​“The piece is a way of giving Black Boys their flowers,” says Tanya Weddemire, owner of Tanya Weddemire Gallery and representative of Philoche. “Guy’s intention to adorn the boy in a crown and suit, and then placing him in front of the bold red, honors the fact that no matter how small you are, you deserve your flowers.” 

YOUNG KING belongs to Philoche's latest series called "Give Us Our Flowers," which has recently garnered the artist national attention within the art world and beyond – including in Forbes and USA Today

Join us for “Admiration” : A Black History Month Panel Symposium at Pier 57, curated by Tanya Weddemire Gallery. This empowering event will feature renowned artists like Guy Stanley Philoche, Serron Green, Zaire Baptiste, and Adrian Franks who will share their insights on black culture and history through their captivating art. Moderated by the esteemed Stacey Ciceron, this panel promises to be an enlightening discussion you won’t want to miss. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for an evening of celebration and inspiration at Pier 57.

Tanya Weddemire, founder and CEO of the Tanya Weddemire Gallery, discusses her inspiring journey and the themes central to her work in the art world. Her gallery focuses on representing diverse perspectives while fostering community, creativity, and authenticity. This conversation offers insights into Tanya's entrepreneurial mindset and the gallery's evolution as a space for accessible and meaningful art experiences.

LA Art Show opening and we are interviewing the talented Tanya Weddemire, discussing her growing up in Jamaica , building her fashion brand and opening an amazing art gallery highlighting some of the most talented artists around. Support this creative on Instagram @tanyaweddemiregallery