Artist and ThirtyThree Gallery (33.G) owner Chase R. McCurdy is curating impact art in Las Vegas

‘BLACK and white’

A Powerful Dialogue in Monochrome at ThirtyThree Gallery

By Laura Henkel

What happens when silence speaks in black and white? At ThirtyThree Gallery in Las Vegas’ Historic Westside, the absence of color becomes a language of presence, power, and purpose.

Founded by multidisciplinary artist and cultural catalyst Chase R. McCurdy, ThirtyThree Gallery—also known as 33.G—is more than a gallery. It’s a sanctuary for thought, storytelling, and intentional connection. McCurdy, who has contributed large-scale murals and public art projects to the Westside through the City of Las Vegas and the Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas Life, infuses every exhibition with vision. His mission is to elevate Black artists while grounding creative practice in community and consciousness.

The current exhibition, “BLACK and white,” is an evocative meditation on duality, visibility, and voice. Stripped of hue but rich with meaning, the show features works by Christina Joseph, Anthony Johnson, X.Darvi, Iandry Randriamandroso, Iyana Esters, Edison Lockwood II, Blankface (also known as Cara en Blanco), Courtney “Yard$” Haywood, and McCurdy himself.

“BLACK and white is a special exhibition first and foremost due to the quality of the work shared, and secondly by the diversity in artistic practice,” McCurdy said. “The greatest joy on opening night was overhearing the many and varied conversations taking place throughout the evening. The work is powerful, and our community’s engagement was a beautiful reflection of that.”

One standout piece, “Sovereign” by X.Darvi, measures just 11 inches by 14 inches, but its presence fills the room. A kneeling nude, her back turned in serene command, is rendered in stark acrylic and mixed media on paper. Her body is a constellation of eyes—portals of memory and guardians of truth. These symbols are a signature of X.Darvi’s visual language, transforming the figure into a sacred archive of seeing and being seen. “Sovereign” doesn’t ask for attention—it commands it. She is both a protector and a prophecy.

X.Darvi’s upcoming solo show will expand on this visual language, exploring visibility, divinity, and multiplicity through her signature motifs.

Also featured is “Afrika” by Iandry Randriamandroso, a striking canvas that reimagines the continent as a woman with traditional Malagasy braided hair, her eyes closed in deep reflection. Originally from Madagascar, Randriamandroso is a muralist and community-based artist whose work centers on environmental and social themes. His recent public piece, “I Rise,” commissioned by the City of Las Vegas, features bold graphic forms and American Sign Language to celebrate the resilience and collective spirit of the Historic Westside.

Known for creating inclusive, accessible public art, Randriamandroso often uses his practice to engage communities through hands-on workshops and collaborative projects. “Afrika” continues his exploration of heritage as a living force, rooted in ancestry, shaped by community.

“Afrika is strong, beautiful, intelligent, selfless, and full of wisdom like a mother,” Randriamandroso wrote. “The artwork is meant to celebrate all mothers for what they do to ensure a brighter future and survival for their children and the world we all live in.”

Following X.Darvi’s solo exhibition, Randriamandroso will be featured in his own solo show at ThirtyThree Gallery, offering a deeper look into his dialogue with culture, community, and collective memory.

Together, these powerful works remind us that monochrome does not mean muted. Every artist contributes to a collective resonance that challenges, comforts, and compels. To hear directly from the artists and curator, visit the gallery’s YouTube channel, where McCurdy continues to foster meaningful conversations with creators.

“BLACK and white” is on view through July 25. For more information, visit thirtythreegallery.com to check gallery hours or schedule a private appointment.

Don’t just view this exhibition—witness it. Let it watch you back. Let it remind you: Black art, in any tone, is never neutral. It is necessary.