tanya weddemire: the artist’s crusader
Gallerist and Art Advisor: Tanya Weddemire
Photography By: @drishananicolephoto (Drishana Nicole)
Tanya Weddemire Gallery's booth at the Art on Paper Fair was a breath of fresh air, infusing the space with boundless possibility and a sense of wonder. In a reality where Black men are often forced to walk a tightrope just to preserve their lives, Weddemire’s paintings depict Black boys as the superheroes they truly are. Her work defies the societal narratives that seek to undermine Black life, and instead, it celebrates their power and potential.
Serron Green's Captain America Remixed Series at Art On Paper
Guy and Gregory chatting with interested Patrons
Reflecting on my interview with Tanya Weddemire about her exhibition at the fair, I was struck by the depth of the concepts behind the artwork. Inspired by Stan Lee's Captain America and his own love for comic books, Serron Green creates works that reimagines a young Black boy in a Captain America costume which shows that Black men are more than capable of embodying strength, courage, and heroism. In today’s world, where Black lives are too often disregarded, Weddemire curates an enchanting universe where these lives not only matter—they hold superpowers.
Speaking with the artist Serron Green gave me further insight into how Tanya Weddemire also empowers her artists and sets them up for success. Green and Weddemire began their journey as artist and gallerist in the latter part of 2023. Green was still new to the intricacies of how art display can change the reception of the work, he states Weddemire had helped elevate his work by introducing him to his current framer changing the quality of how his work is presented. Weddemire takes a personal investment in the collective growth of her ENTIRE team, artists and gallery as whole are designed to prosper.
The booth’s theme was “What’s Your Superpower?” which was curated from the perspective of an all black team ranging from the Gallerist to the Creative Director. When asked what his superpower was- Green’s automatic response to the question…
“Black is my superpower.”
- Serron Green
Serron Green pictured in Tanya Weddemire's booth at the Art On Paper Fair
Guy Stanley Philoche gave great insight about his approach to the theme selected, his goals were to empower the children who destroyed preconceived notions and stereotypes, by simply doing what their dreams called them to do. Our superpowers don't live in an imaginary realm however they come from the internal strength we utilize to push past limits that were assigned to us and to willfully break those barriers every day. When asked about his experience in working with Tanya, Philoche spoke highly of how she continually champions other’s contributions to the art sharing and collecting process, he said “ I am in admiration of her connection with people the way she champions her artists- but she also champions her collectors. Art It is an investment, but she makes new collectors feel good about collecting a new work in their journey as art patrons”
"To the collectors: keep an eye on her—Tanya will be one of the top art dealers in NYC within the next five years."
- Guy Stanley Philoche
Guy Stanley Philoche speaking with a guest at the Art On Paper Fair
TEAM USA 2024
Guy Stanley Philoche
One area of the booth that stood out in her curation was Gregory Saint Amand’s Wall, which captures the nostalgic feeling of a Black boy imagining the world as his oyster. In one work, a simple tablecloth transforms into a cape, and a helmet has the power to transform the boy into a racecar driver, a superhero, or anything his heart desires. It tied in perfectly to Guy Stanley Philoche’s philosophy of giving people their flowers while they are still here, emphasizing the importance of validating black men’s existence and celebrating their worth.
When asked on how he felt about the curatorial theme of Superpowers and superhuman feats Gregory Saint Amand was enthused he expressed, “The theme was right up my alley- the subjects, young black boys, young brown boys, being repressed or excluded from our society in many ways. Ultimately they would eventually grow into the Superheroes that society did not expect them to be.” That point is seen time and time again as goal posts are moved and prohibitions are set in place to gatekeep sports, skills and even jobs. Gregory’s goal in sharing these works is to humanize the children that will eventually grow to accomplish great feats.
“Even when we are painted in a good light there is always an undertone of danger- for instance- you’re so good at a particular talent that you are a threat.”
-Gregory Saint Amand
Tanya Weddemire’s strength as a gallerist is rooted in the way she supports and forms deep connections with her artists. Her dedication to their growth builds their confidence and helps them navigate the many challenges that come in the art world—whether they take form as client feedback, curatorial direction, or the complexities of staying in sync in a gallerist- artist relationship. The gallery aims not just to showcase art but to align with each artist's personal goals. They amplify these stories, acknowledging the roles they both play as Black creatives in a predominantly white art world.
Through consistent meetings, recaps post-activations, and pre-activation conversations, Weddemire is very proactive and intentional- she takes a hands-on, personal approach with her artists. This ethos of providing quality service as an art advisor, artist supporter, and producer of fine art forms the backbone of her gallery’s mission.
Navigating the at times egocentric nature of the art world is a challenge Tanya doesn’t shy away from. She stresses the importance of patience and self-reminders of human limitations. Despite the gallery's youth, they manage expectations by being transparent about their goals—making them attainable within the bounds of time, affordability, and authentic investment.
Their relationships with venues like the Art on Paper, Hampton Fine Art Fair, Scope Art Show, LA Art Show , and Affordable Art Fair are built on transparency and storytelling. Weddemire Gallery’s growth and trajectory are openly shared on social media, creating an accessible and enjoyable space for art appreciators and investors alike. They genuinely care about the people they work with, fostering an active and inviting community
One area of the booth that stood out in her curation was Gregory Saint Amand’s Wall, which captures the nostalgic feeling of a Black boy imagining the world as his oyster. In one work, a simple tablecloth transforms into a cape, and a helmet has the power to transform the boy into a racecar driver, a superhero, or anything his heart desires. It tied in perfectly to Guy Stanley Philoche’s philosophy of giving people their flowers while they are still here, emphasizing the importance of validating black men’s existence and celebrating their worth.
“Even when we are painted in a good light there is always an undertone of danger- for instance- you’re so good at a particular talent that you are a threat.”
-Gregory Saint Amand
When asked on how he felt about the curatorial theme of Superpowers and superhuman feats Gregory Saint Amand was enthused he expressed, “The theme was right up my alley- the subjects, young black boys, young brown boys, being repressed or excluded from our society in many ways. Ultimately they would eventually grow into the Superheroes that society did not expect them to be.” That point is seen time and time again as goal posts are moved and prohibitions are set in place to gatekeep sports, skills and even jobs. Gregory’s goal in sharing these works is to humanize the children that will eventually grow to accomplish great feats.
Gregory Saint Amand and Jomani Danielle at the Art On Paper Fair
Winner Takes All, 2024
Gregory Saint Amand
Tanya Weddemire’s strength as a gallerist is rooted in the way she supports and forms deep connections with her artists. Her dedication to their growth builds their confidence and helps them navigate the many challenges that come in the art world—whether they take form as client feedback, curatorial direction, or the complexities of staying in sync in a gallerist- artist relationship. The gallery aims not just to showcase art but to align with each artist's personal goals. They amplify these stories, acknowledging the roles they both play as Black creatives in a predominantly white art world.
Through consistent meetings, recaps post-activations, and pre-activation conversations, Weddemire is very proactive and intentional- she takes a hands-on, personal approach with her artists. This ethos of providing quality service as an art advisor, artist supporter, and producer of fine art forms the backbone of her gallery’s mission.
Navigating the at times egocentric nature of the art world is a challenge Tanya doesn’t shy away from. She stresses the importance of patience and self-reminders of human limitations. Despite the gallery's youth, they manage expectations by being transparent about their goals—making them attainable within the bounds of time, affordability, and authentic investment.
Their relationships with venues like the Art on Paper, Hampton Fine Art Fair, Scope Art Show, LA Art Show , and Affordable Art Fair are built on transparency and storytelling. Tanya Weddemire Gallery’s growth and trajectory are openly shared on social media, creating an accessible and enjoyable space for art appreciators and investors alike. They genuinely care about the people they work with, fostering an active and inviting community.