“The Boxing Gym” was featured in last week’s issue of Creative Loafing Charlotte. In the article, author Emiene Wright interviews both artists, de’Angelo Dia and Shaun El C. Leonardo, and breaks down the elements of the show.
Excerpt from “The Boxing Gym Is a Shot to the Gut” by Emiene Wright:
Ali. Tyson. Mayweather. If you hold these names in reverence, the artists behind the latest exhibit at CPCC’s Ross Gallery are out to disabuse you of some very dear notions. The Boxing Gym, a multi-media installation by de’Angelo Dia and Shaun El C. Leonardo, uses nine photographs and an accompanying video to deconstruct the myths of masculinity surrounding the brutal ballet. The work pushes viewers to reconsider the violence ascribed to black male bodies, as well as the effect of our collective bloodlust.
Don’t forget we’re hosting a reception tonight from 5-7 p.m. in Ross Gallery I, and Dia will perform at 6. Hope to see you there!