When artist Cameron Lee and his husband, social media influencer, blogger and creative curator Rigel Cable, moved to Atlanta via Hollywood last summer, it didn’t take long for them to make their mark on the scene. Cable launched his first Atlanta event, the Atlanta Queer Creatives Panel Discussion, that November at Ponce City Market, and the pair will present SPECTRA: Queer Art Showcase on Friday, March 23 at Revelator Coffee Company in West Midtown.
That night, Lee will unveil four new artworks from his galaxy-inspired collection, featuring portraits of influencers from Los Angeles, and the showcase will also include works from his art show “Flores Fatales.” One of the pieces from Flores Fatales — featuring transgender L.A. model Amanda Cardona — graces the March 16 cover of Georgia Voice.
“She is so striking and has an intense energy about her that I knew would read well on camera,” Lee told Georgia Voice. “My image of her was selected to be shown at L.A. Art Show this year as part of a queer artist exhibit, and in many ways she has become the face of the Flores Fatales series. Her image is an ode to one of my favorite artists, Frida Kahlo.”
Other local queer artists selected by Lee for SPECTRA include Jon Dean, LaRue Caillet, Savana Ogburn, Shanisia Person and Taylor Alxndr. The artists will receive 100 percent of any sales they make, which can be a rarity at such events.
“The current art model at galleries or events usually ends up charging the artists not only a large commission but a fee for wall space on top of it. This model prevents a lot of artists from being seen because they simply can’t afford to show their work, on top of the costs of all the supplies, framing and time they put into it their art,” Lee said. “Queer people are already a disenfranchised community, and as a queer artist I know firsthand the difficulties of funding your own artwork, trying to get it seen and staying true to your vision, even if society tells you it may not be appropriate. Queer people have such unique perspectives that I feel the rest of the world needs to see and embrace more.”
SPECTRA: Queer Art Showcase
Friday, March 23 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Revelator Coffee Company
691 14th St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318
www.facebook.com/events/1976522592607437