Before borders. Before labels. It was just us —together.
That’s the central idea behind “In the Beginning,” a group exhibition curated by Kennesaw-based artist Carlos Solis, opening Saturday, May 9, at the Fowler Gallery at the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning in Duluth. The show remains on view through July 25.
“The phrase ‘In the Beginning’ refers to a time before religion, racism, social status, physical appearance, etc., were relevant or existed,” Solis said.
After building cultural bridges across Atlanta for nearly two decades, including founding Contrapunto, a Latin American art collective in Georgia, Solis mounted an earlier version of “In the Beginning” in Gainesville roughly a year ago, before bringing it to the Hudgens.
“My main goal was and still is to build bridges,” Solis said. “When I presented this project to them, the Hudgens was enthusiastic about my concept. They saw value in showcasing something so unique.”
Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Solis finds inspiration in primal marks—the cave paintings that tell stories of ancient people: hunting, gathering, connecting. That image of a shared, pre-divided humanity is exactly what he wanted to reconstruct with paint, sculpture and mixed-media.
”Despite our differences, we all share a single origin. We are presenting an artistic setting where our primary objective is to see ourselves as one and many at the same time.”
‘in the beginning’ curator and artist carlos solis
A global show, rooted in Georgia
Fifteen artists from all corners of the globe now call Georgia home. The lineup sparks with Ecuadorian-American Carla Contreras, Kenyan-born Grace Kisa, Nigerian-born Jonathan Imafidor, Syrian-American Nabil Mousa, and Midwestern Roxane Hollosi.
“Despite our differences, we all share a single origin,” Solis said. “We are presenting an artistic setting where our primary objective is to see ourselves as one and many at the same time.”
Each artist explores identity, origin, and connection, employing a bold visual language that speaks across cultures.
“Having several artists from around the globe allows for a rich and diverse exhibit,” Solis said. “The goal is to transcend borders and backgrounds, emphasizing our shared humanity.”
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Hollosi’s large-scale mixed-media work “Daylight Clashed with the Shadows 2” (48 by 60 inches) anchors part of the exhibition’s visual conversation about light, tension, and what lies beneath the surface.
Solis isn’t just a curator; he’s a participant. “My painting calls out our shared humanity—a reminder that we all begin in the same place,” he said.
Why Gwinnett?
Gwinnett County, home to the Fowler Gallery, is among the most ethnically diverse counties in the American South. For Solis, that makes it a natural home for a show about shared humanity.
He originally mounted a version of “In the Beginning” in Gainesville about a year ago. The Hudgens came next, and Solis hopes more venues follow. “My goal is to bring this exhibition to several locations if they welcome the idea of showcasing diverse or avant-garde art,” he said.
Solis has a specific hope for visitors who are immigrants or transplants themselves.
“I want visitors to feel that we can find common ground,” he said.
“In the Beginning” opens Saturday, May 9, with a free public reception from 1 to 3 p.m. The exhibition runs through July 25 at the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning’s Fowler Gallery, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 300, Duluth, GA 30097.
