28 MARCH TO 14 APRIL 2023

London – Curator Mashonda Tifrere partners with Christie’s Private Sales in a powerful exhibition that marks a month dedicated to the celebration of women around the world. Tifrere’s Harlem  upbringing, enlivened by the Expressionist art, music and photography that captivated the 1980s,  resulted in her prominence as a singer/songwriter, author and activist. She has since fortified her  position as an art leader and cultural disruptor with the creation of Art LeadHer; a platform that  has challenged patriarchal history and championed the professional development of marginalised  woman artists since its 2016 launch. The selling exhibition of 24 works will be open to view for free from 28 March to 14 April at Christie’s in London, with prices between £2,000-£15,000.

Entitled Note To Self, the works in this exhibition, rich in individuality yet delicately connected by  a sense of liberation, are a visual manifestation of Tifrere’s commitment to showcasing art by  living Black artists. The result of an upbringing inspired by the cultural and artistic significance of  the Harlem Renaissance, Mashonda Tifrere has selected works that reflect her own personal  journey and awakening. Varied in their refreshing use of landscapes, gaze, body language and  posture, the works in Note to Self, encourage viewers to engage with the elements of ease, peace  and comfort that are accumulated along a woman’s path to self-realisation. 

In 2016, Tifrere graduated from Christie’s Education,  with a degree in Art Business and has returned to present a selection of works with a sensitivity that reflects her fervent journey through the arts. “From 2019 to 2022, I wrote five songs, and called the group Note to Self. I created them using my experiences in bliss, compromise, enlightenment, sexuality, and heartache. In celebration of Women’s Month, I wanted to visualize the music with art by women who make works that I deem compelling and profound yet ethereal and fierce. This exhibition represents the conversations we have in our mind, the poignant affirmations that evolve us.” 

Isabel Millar, Specialist, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Christie’s: “Christie’s is delighted  to collaborate with Mashonda Tifrere on the exhibition Note to Self which celebrates a dynamic  range of living women artists. Tifrere’s commitment to showcasing diversity in her exhibitions and  combatting gender bias is inspiring and we look forward to presenting the works at Christie’s in  London to mark Women’s History Month.” 

The works of the 15 international woman artists included in the exhibition, uniquely navigate the  ever-intertwined, contemporary world, with qualities of joy and wisdom in what Tifrere would describe as “Feminine Sovereignty”. Megan Lewis’ emotive use of bold strokes and colour frame  her subjects in contemplative wonder. They foreground the layered experiences of Black  communities, particularly women, with a critical focus on the elements that simultaneously anchor and unleash the wonderment of her African-American heritage.  

In Community, Miami-based painter and muralist Tierra Armstrong transcends time and space through the duality of her fragmented yet balanced portrait style. A multi-sensory artist, Natalie  Lauren’s works create a deliberately tender space for the viewer to empathise, and become  absorbed in the fantastical world of her subjects. LaToya M. Hobbs’ signature use of stark lines  creates an unrelenting expression that forces the viewer to consider the very essence of  womanhood. In contrast, Lindsay Adams’ lyrical style demands an introspective contemplation in  her depiction of rich floral landscapes. A conversation between world and self, she takes on the  challenge of questioning her own identity as a Black and disabled woman. 

To further support the exhibition, Christie’s specialist Isabel Millar, alongside the curator  Mashonda Tifrere, will lead a panel discussion at Christie’s King Street. The event is supported  by the Christie’s Fund, established to broaden access to arts education and careers, as well as  use Christie’s brand, platform and resources to develop and promote emerging artists.