A Reflection of the Times, by Chire “VantaBlack” Regans, is a memorial exhibition of portraiture that underscores the ways in which activist art exists as a site of resistance and embodies a social justice framework. Here, the artist creates a space for collective remembering and healing for families and the community. 

Opening in May 2021 near the one year anniversary of George Floyd’s death, this exhibit honors his legacy and the countless number of people who are killed in the U.S. by gun-related and state violence; it commemorates the lives of one hundred victims, reminding us all of the critical role of community-led activism and the urgency of magnifying its message. 

“A love ethic emphasizes the importance of service to others. ... Service strengthens our capacity to know compassion and deepens our insight. To serve another I cannot see them as an object, I must see their subjecthood.” — bell hooks

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Miami-based artist Chire “VantaBlack” Regans’ art practice is at the intersection of social justice and storytelling. Her work responds to urgent societal concerns and functions as a critical platform to amplify the voices of the communities she engages with.

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Exhibition and accompanying publication has been commissioned by Commissioner in partnership with New World School of the Arts, and curated by Women Artists Archive Miami. 

We gratefully acknowledge Chris Adamo and Randi Wolfson, Cathy Leff, Laura Novoa, Mariana Pariani, Sirena Saul, Franklin Sirmans, Paperwater, Primary, Richard Guzman Law, Mitchell Wolfson Sr Foundation, and the Commissioner team and member community. 

Commissioner is a membership program that helps locals connect with artists in Miami. Founded in 2018 with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, we believe that cities are stronger when artists are at the forefront.