In Living Color Explores Collective Spirit and the Power of Color by Trevor Johnson

In Living Color, curated by D.C. artist Luis Del Valle, fills the walls of Honfleur Gallery. The exhibit presents a series of exuberant paintings—each with its own character—yet together they create a sense of belonging and cohesion, uniting diverse styles into one harmonious visual experience. 

On opening night, August 16, music bound the evening together. DJ Vico Vibes set the tone with an all-vinyl set that recalled the rise of '80s and '90s hip-hop, while Heru the Violinist translated the paintings through sound and poet John Johnson through words.

"For the past year or so, I've been curating exhibitions at Honfleur," Del Valle explained. "This show was inspired by the 1990s TV series In Living Color. What I love about that TV show is that it has so many different artists with different talents, but when they came together, they created this beautiful show that I believe transcends time." 

Del Valle reflected on his younger days, when the show's skits first sparked his fascination with bold color. He envisioned an exhibition that echoed that collective spirit—drawing many different styles into a single, vibrant experience. He wants visitors to feel the same spark he once felt watching the early careers of entertainers who would become household names.

"When people walk into the show, they're going to see all these different styles," he said. "I think about Jim Carrey, Jennifer Lopez, the Wayans brothers—superstars who, back then, were still developing their talent. That's what I wanted here: a mix of established and emerging artists. It shines a light on newcomers while introducing seasoned artists to a younger crowd."

That commitment to variety is evident throughout the room. 

"You'll see abstract paintings, recognizable figures like Dave Chappelle, and pieces with a playful, almost cartoonish look that still carry a serious undertone," he said.

"The goal is to bring together these varied voices through the universal language of color. Each artist is telling a personal story, but when all the works meet in the gallery, they fit like a puzzle, forming one beautiful image that visitors can keep discovering long after their first glance."

In Living Color reflects humanity coming together, each individual bringing a unique piece to the puzzle. The exhibit urges visitors to value collectivity, reminding us that isolation can breed negativity and even depression. 

For Del Valle, that sense of connection isn't only about people—it's about the atmosphere created by color itself. Years of studying painting and marketing have shown him that color can subtly influence mood and behavior, shaping how we navigate a space before we even realize it.

"Through bright hues, people's moods can change," he explained. "One thing I've learned in color theory and marketing is that the colors around you really influence how you feel. Look at McDonald's or other fast-food chains—orange, red, and yellow make you hungry. Step into a health-food store like Yes! Organics or Whole Foods, and you'll see green everywhere, a color that signals freshness and health. In this show, you'll notice how the abstract pieces flow seamlessly into the more figurative works, creating that same kind of mood-shaping experience."

Beyond the Canvas: Blending Color and Commentary 

Del Valle highlighted the range of artists whose works create the exhibition's rhythm: Hiba Alyawer's luminous abstractions, Jay Durah's masterful figurative pieces, QRCKY's realism, ABSURDLY WELL's graffiti and wheat-pasted street art, Brian Bailey's playful yet provocative paintings, the vibrant canvases of the self-styled Blaq Picasso—infused with both Sam Gilliam's influence and a nod to Picasso—and Yutande Sapp's street-tinged abstractions. Joel Ulmer's pop-culture portraits, referencing sitcoms like The Fresh Prince, add humor and a sense of shared nostalgia.

For Del Valle, this eclectic mix reflects more than aesthetic variety; it embodies the show's deeper principle. 

"I never aim to be controversial just for the sake of it," he said. "What matters is expressing a message—one that some may embrace and others may challenge. As an artist and curator, I value the freedom of speech, the right to share any point of view."

That commitment to free expression naturally extends to the neighborhood around Honfleur. For Del Valle, a show succeeds only if it resonates with the community's people. The mix of voices and visual styles invites local viewers to find echoes of their own experiences in the work.

In the gallery, one of the clearest examples is Brian Bailey's installation Save the Kids (Little Sliders), where a single playground slide becomes a striking symbol, inviting reflection on the realities of violence and other forces that disrupt children's ability to be kids.

"It's a very playful but a very serious piece. He had that play on words, where people sliding could possibly be shooting, but sliding with kids could possibly just be playing. 

Del Valle stresses that it isn't enough for an exhibition to be beautiful—it must connect. This show embodies that spirit, reflecting the vivid resilience of Anacostia itself, where art and community sustain one another long after the gallery lights dim. 

The artists' subjects ensure that the stories of Anacostia remain visible and heard. 

"If even one of these artists were missing, the conversation would feel incomplete," Del Valle said. "Their stories connect the art to the people who walk through these doors."

Visitors can experience In Living Color at Honfleur Gallery through October 11.