
Art Melanated’s 'Children of the Sun' Exhibition Shines Bright at Sotheby’s Beverly Hills w/Star-Studded Opening Night
The evening drew an inspiring mix of collectors, creatives, and cultural leaders, including notable guests Garcelle Beauvais, Essence Atkins, Lex Scott Davis, Lela Rochon, Joel Steingold, Big Les, KJ Rose, Ricco Ross, Vanessa Williams, Melinda Williams, Robert Ri’chard, AJ Johnson, Nika King, Ingrid Best, Golden Brooks, Monique Coleman, Melonie Fiona and more. Guests were welcomed into a sacred, sun-soaked journey through contemporary Black art — a vibrant showcase of identity, ancestry, and inner child healing. Curated by “Art Melanated founders Sol and Jennia Aponte, “Children of the Sun” features work from celebrated artists including: Chaz Guest, Hebru Brantley, Kevin A. Williams, Penda Diakité, Guy Stanley Philoche, J. Christopher, Kip Kemoi and Jennia Fredrique Aponte, among others. Each piece radiates joy, curiosity, and reclamation, collectively honoring the divine essence of Black childhood and its enduring light.
“Children of the Sun is about returning to the light within—our innocence, our wonder, and the boundless spirit we all carry,” says Sol Aponte. “This exhibition reminds us that healing, legacy, and joy are essential parts of our story.” “This show is a celebration of who we’ve always been—creators, seekers, and visionaries,” adds Jennia Fredrique Aponte. “To partner with Sotheby’s in this way is a powerful affirmation of the future we are building together.”
The landmark partnership with Sotheby’s signifies a powerful shift in the art world, creating a new model that champions independent curators and celebrates the stories, artists, and collectors often left out of the mainstream narrative.
“Sotheby’s is proud to collaborate with Art Melanated on 'Children of the Sun,' an exhibition that celebrates the transformative power of art to heal, honor legacy, and illuminate our shared humanity. This powerful presentation reflects the strength, creativity, and resilience of artists whose voices are reshaping cultural narratives. We deeply believe in the founder's mission and now more than ever, feel it's important to lend a platform to share these ideas and provide a space to showcase meaningful dialogues.” - Christy Coombs, Senior Vice President, Head of Sotheby’s Museum and Corporate Art Group.
The exhibition is open to the public from April 18–25, 2025, 10am-5pm PT, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience this cultural convergence firsthand.
About the Exhibition:
“Children of the Sun” is a radiant exploration of childhood’s divine beauty and the sacred connection to the inner child. This powerful experience invites viewers into moments of curiosity, resilience, and joy, through the visionary lenses of artists whose work celebrates joy, transformation, and inner light. Curated with deep intention and cultural reverence, the exhibition offers a space for reflection, celebration, and generational healing. Featuring Works by Artists: Athlone Clarke • Brandon Deener • Calida Rawles • Chaz Guest • Eddy Ochieng Guy Stanley Philoche • Hebru Brantley • J Christopher • Jennia-Fredrique Aponte Jerome Lagarrigue • Kipkemoi • Kevin West • Kevin A Williams • Penda Diakité
About Art Melanated
Art Melanated thrives at the vibrant intersection of art, community, and culture. We provide a dynamic platform and community where diverse artistic expressions flourish, fostering meaningful connections between artists and their communities.
Our mission: ART + CULTURE + COMMUNITY = ART MELANATED Visit us at www.artmelanated.com and follow @artmelanated on Instagram.
About Sotheby’s Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate.
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