Gazing B(l)ack by Chris Leaux :: Chris Leaux

Artist Chris Leaux’s Exhibition Book, Seen, is an exploration of her creative works across mediums. Within the pages are Leaux’s poetry, musings, and thoughts made corporeal. This art/poetry/contemplative text is their processing relationships, joy, and grief. It’s a vulnerable celebratory text welcoming you to gaze inwardly and shift your perception.

EXHIBITION DATES: Sept 13th-Oct 25th, 2025:::This exhibition is a reversal of the gaze generally placed upon Blackness. That which is often not seen, shared, nor spoken about is placed on display; Softness. In the past, the artist figure-modeled for predominately white artists and encountered uncomfortable comments, situations, and vibes. Here, Chris shifts the gaze – to the Black figure models who both embody and informed the artwork. Perception is power. It alters, influences, and conveys. Being seen by others or being seen as other can morph an experienced reality. Being the one to gaze has the power to transform people and even define their humanity.

See the Black body with tenderness and mirth. Take time to both celebrate, play, and unpack the narratives you have encountered surrounding Blackness. This is an invitation to reflect on the power of our gaze, while further humanizing and softening the inherent beauty of Blackness.

Chris is a New Orleans based visual artist keen on processing the flavors of reality with figurative renderings, collaging, and conceptual gatherings. Their work is grounded in experiential and dutiful playfulness. This contributes to their imaginative surveying on creative expression as a form of healing, permissive reprisal, inspiration, and connectivity. In 2025 they had their first solo exhibition at Antenna Gallery. In 2016 they participated in the Dark Matter Artist Residency. Prior to these events, they honed their creative passions from childhood into the present day

VIRTUAL EXHIBITION TOUR: