The Californien

02/05/2026

04/10/2024

I've been sitting on this for a minute, but I am excited to announce that I am bringing Haitian artist Fabiola Jean-Louis and Mobile, AL artist Andrew Lamar Hopkins Historical Folk, Outsider Artist to Paris for an artist conversation.

This artist conversation will take place on November 19th as part of Columbia University Reid Hall's 70th anniversary program series.

These extraordinary artists provide visual narratives of Haiti and a Louisiana's Free People of Color in a way that is deserving of a museum exhibition in Paris, so stay tuned!

If you are in Paris, the link to register to attend is below.

A huge thanks to Columbia Reid Hall and Terra Foundation for American Art for their support.

https://globalcenters.columbia.edu/events/totality-our-good-life-artist-talk-forgotten-history

20/03/2024

Thrilled to share the inspiring journey of two remarkable artists, Leslee Stradford and Claude Lawrence! Leslee is a friend and former neighbor of mine in Oakland.

At an age when most of us would slow down and savor the sunsets, they’re not just making waves, but writing a whole new chapter in their illustrious careers. Their current art world ascendence is a testament to their enduring talent and the timeless appeal of their work.

Check out their story in this article. Age is just a number when passion and creativity know no bounds!

Looking forward to seeing what their French chapter brings!

Artists Claude Lawrence and Leslee Stradford have both found success in the Hamptons art scene.

11/11/2023

I am so honored to be amplifying these brillant voices in Paris today. Organizing and producing this event was a labor of love. Although family obligations prevented me from attending in person, I am cheering them on virtually!

A major thanks to CatchLight Dysturb Fondation Carmignac and Terra Foundation for American Art for believing in and supporting my vision for this conversation.

Cultural Lenses and Biases:
Unraveling Narratives in Visual Storytelling

How do cultural perspectives and biases influence how we perceive stories and, in turn, the concept of truth? Our backgrounds form unique lenses through which we view and understand shared information, leading to a multiplicity of interpretations. Join us to learn how visual journalists, advocates, civil servants, thought leaders, and audiences can be cognizant of the impacts of these differences and biases.

Featuring Paul Henderson, social justice attorney, art advocate, and collector; Dr. Mame Fatou-Niang, Professor of French Studies and the Founder-Director of the Center for Black European Studies at Carnegie Mellon University; and Bayeté Ross Smith, 2021 CatchLight Global Fellow, multidisciplinary artist, photographer, filmmaker, and educator. Moderated by Patrick Banks, founder of The Californien agency.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Organized in partnership with Patrick Banks, founder of The Californien agency, with program assistance provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art. The Terra Foundation for American Art, established in 1978 and having offices in Chicago and Paris, supports organizations and individuals locally and globally with the aim of fostering intercultural dialogues and encouraging transformative practices that expand narratives of American art through the foundation’s grant program, collection, and initiatives.

08/10/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=705911051566476&id=100064427629933

13/06/2023

25 ans de Regards Noirs
LY DUMAS GACHA

Available in limited edition C-Prints in 30x40cm and 50x60cm

Born in Cameroon to a senior civil servant father and an educator mother.
Since her early childhood, the Ndop costumes worn during ritual ceremonies by the king and the notables have awakened in Ly Dumas a passion for artisanal fabrics.

In her adolescence, Ly left Cameroon to study applied foreign languages at Paris-Sorbonne. Then she married and settled with her family in the United States. It was in Los Angeles that, while perfecting the English language, she became aware of her own African culture, then little known and unexplored. Thereafter, she wished to deepen, reveal, and share one of her culture, through the fabrics and their "language".

Upon her return to France, Ly persuaded the president of Hermès to introduce the brand's products in Africa. At the end of this experience, she launched her own brand

The combination of ancient materials and modern weaving methods made Ly Dumas a unique fashion designer. Currently, Madame Dumas is the Founder/President of Foundation Gacha.