Tony Lewis Debuts in New York with Atlantic Slave Trade Drawings

Tony Lewis, born in 1986 in Los Angeles, is set to unveil his inaugural solo exhibition in New York at Olney Gleason, titled Abstract Slavery, which will be on display from May 7 until June 6, 2026. This exhibition features four distinct series: Word Search, Color Shorthand, White Drawings, and Floor Drawings, all of which delve into the themes surrounding the Atlantic slave trade through the medium of drawing. Utilizing graphite, colored pencil, and paper, Lewis employs techniques such as rubbing, smudging, layering, and erasure to highlight the effort involved in mark-making. A recurring theme in his work is language, which he has been exploring as both a visual element and a means of conveying meaning over the last ten years, blurring the lines between drawing and writing.