Black Art & Big Vibes: The Great 8 Are Taking Over DC With A Celebration of Contemporary Black Artists
I like my art how I like my coffee: BLACK.
Art lovers, collectors, and culture enthusiasts—get ready for an unforgettable Black art experience!
A Celebration of Contemporary Black Artists is taking over the Viceroy DC, bringing together some of the most innovative and inspiring Black artists of our time. Curated by artist-in-residence Dunnie Onasanya, this exhibition isn’t just about showcasing art; it’s about honoring the creative voices shaping today’s artistic landscape.
At the heart of this exhibition is The Great 8—a powerhouse lineup of eight artists, each bringing their own unique perspective, style, and storytelling to the table. Their work will be featured in an immersive art walk and gallery wall installation, culminating in an exclusive cocktail event where guests can sip, mingle, and soak in the brilliance of Black artistry. And yes, there will be complimentary wine to pair with the experience—because what’s art without a little celebration?
Why This Show? Why Now?
For Dunnie Onasanya, the timing of this exhibition couldn’t be more perfect. “Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us,” she says. “So I ask myself—if not now, then when? If not you, then who?” With Black History Month setting the stage, this show is more than an exhibition—it’s a moment of reflection, celebration, and forward momentum. “We’re using this time to acknowledge the contributions of Black artists while pushing for even more visibility and empowerment.”
And the best part? The exhibition will be on view throughout March, so there’s plenty of time to experience it, engage with the art, and be part of the conversation.
Meet The Great 8
Dunnie handpicked this incredible group of artists not just because of their talent but because of their influence, commitment, and impact. These are the creatives whose work transcends trends, challenges norms, and inspires new perspectives. Let’s meet them:
🎨 Dunnie O. | Washington, DC – Curator and Artist in Residence, Dunnie’s work is a vibrant celebration of self-love, beauty, and transformation.
🎨 Brionya James | Austin, TX – Brionya explores spirituality and self-empowerment through dynamic, thought-provoking works.
🎨 Tyler Clark | Chicago, IL – Tyler’s work highlights Black experiences in a way that’s both visually striking and emotionally powerful.
🎨 Calisma Asafor | Washington, DC – Calisma’s narratives blend stunning imagery with deep cultural representation.
🎨 Chukwunonso Ofili | Houston, TX – Chukwunonso brings his Nigerian roots to life through bold, contemporary designs.
🎨 Tyra Powers | Baltimore, MD – Tyra’s work beautifully connects themes of nature, growth, and human experience.
🎨 Simone Agoussoye | Washington, DC – Simone’s art is a fusion of personal heritage and modern storytelling, spanning abstract to portraiture.
🎨 Kanye Tomiwa | Washington, DC – Kanye merges traditional influences with contemporary aesthetics, creating a powerful visual language.
Each of these artists is pushing boundaries, telling important stories, and bringing something fresh not only to the Black art world—but to the art world overall.
What’s the Goal?
Beyond celebrating art, this event is about building community and making connections. Dunnie hopes it sparks conversations, fosters support for Black artists, and encourages collectors—both new and seasoned—to invest in their work. “We want people to discover new artists, expand their collections, and understand the value of supporting living artists. These pieces aren’t just decoration—they’re history, they’re culture, they’re legacy.”
And if you’re looking to take home a piece of the magic, every artwork in the show will be available for purchase, with 100% of sales going directly to the artists.
Adding another layer to the experience, spoken word artist Nikki Ohhhh will be performing at the exclusive cocktail event, using her words to amplify the themes of the exhibition. “Art isn’t just visual—it’s emotional, it’s immersive, and Nikki’s performance will bring it all together.”
Image courtesy of Nikki Ohhh // Instagram
Dunnie also gives a huge shoutout to Viceroy DC and Viceroy Hotels for making this partnership possible. “They’ve created a space for artists like me to thrive, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep building something meaningful here.”
What’s Next?
While Dunnie is keeping details of her next curated event under wraps for now, one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be big. If you don’t want to miss out, sign up for her VIP email list for exclusive updates on future events and projects.
Join the Celebration!
This is more than an art show—it’s a movement. Come celebrate Black excellence in contemporary art, support living artists, and experience the magic of A Celebration of Contemporary Black Artists at the Viceroy DC. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this.