Ali Cultural Arts Hosts Dramatic And Revealing Exhibit By Artist Niki Lopez

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts is proud to present a dramatic and revealing exhibit by multi-media artist and activist Niki Lopez. These Eyes: A Retrospective Exhibition delves into several distinct topics, drawing upon Niki's personal traumas, inspirations and fascinations. Lopez, who survived a childhood trapped in a cult, has garnered acclaim for her What's Your Elephant? series. These works stir profound conversations among viewers and will be included in the exhibit, which will also feature art inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and her interest in other life forms. The exhibit runs through May 26, 2018. For more information, www.aliarts.org

"What's Your Elephant is a cathartic experience for me and the viewer," said Lopez. "As a child, my mother joined a cult and I was brought into that world against my will and ended up a victim of molestation."

Art, which had always been in an interest for her, became a coping mechanism as she coped with feeling voiceless. Her art often reflects those emotions along with an intense feeling of being watched as there was never any privacy growing up. When she was able, she stood up to the powers that be and forged her own life. Now she is using her past experiences and talent, to help others deal with big issues that can overshadow their lives.

After exploring this collection, Lopez encourages others to share their stories about the past pains and problems they are grappling with. "The power of sharing and bringing these issues to the fore is an important part of the healing process," she said. "We all have 'elephants,' and we need to challenge them."

Another aspect of Lopez's art deals with ancient cultural references such as the history of the Olmec civilization to life. With a vast array of colors and symbolism, she interprets the ancient people who populated the tropical lowlands of Mexico in c1000-400bc. She also delves into the African-American experience in the Americas before the prevalence of slavery.

In addition, this exhibit will include her creative reflections about alien life forms. "It seems unlikely that we are alone," she shared. Her work explores that possibility.

About Historic Ali Cultural Arts

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts, a performance and cultural venue, is located in the former home of the late Frank and Florence Major Ali, who had emigrated from Cuba and The Bahamas respectively. As the first African American business owners in Pompano Beach, Frank operated a barbershop and Florence, who was a skilled seamstress, cosmetologist and fashion designer, also operated her business in the building. This two-story property was built in 1933 and placed on the City of Pompano Beach Historical Register in 2016.

The City of Pompano Beach, Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and the Rock Road Restoration Historical Group preserve the northwest corridor history and culture by telling positive stories of the African American experience through performing arts, visual arts and intellectual work that educates and celebrates all people of color throughout history.

About the Pompano Beach Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent district established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. The CRA is governed by State Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III. The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes.