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DALLAS - The Oak Cliff Cultural Center is pleased to present learning to be T.U.F., a solo exhibition by Tiara Unique Francois curated by Ciara Elle Bryant opening on Feb. 24 with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The artist and curator will give a gallery talk at 7 p.m. on the day of the reception.
Utilizing painting and assemblage, Francois’ work explores narratives focused on her identity, family and personal experiences through reimagined memories. Rooted in self-reflection, her self-portraits recall her collection of experiences as a young black woman, navigating personal growth through competing thoughts of hope and self-doubt.
The exhibition title, learning to be T.U.F., directly references her lived experience from childhood to adulthood. T.U.F. is an acronym for Tiara Unique Francois and though it relates to developing that thick skin that life requires, it is also about being wise and knowing oneself. Curator Ciara Elle Bryant shares, “Tiara Unique Francois doesn’t shy away from exploration. Learning to be T.U.F. is a direct musing of this soul journey. From journal entries to soul portraits Francois has offered the viewer a glimpse into her new practice of learning herself.”
Tiara Unique Francois is a visual artist, born and based in Dallas, Texas. She earned her BFA in painting at the University of Texas at Arlington. Her work has been featured in group exhibitions in Texas, Georgia and California. In 2021 she debuted her first solo exhibition, The Pro Compositions at 500X Gallery in Dallas, TX. In 2022, she attended the ON::View Residency in Savannah, GA.
Ciara Elle Bryant is a multidisciplinary artist and curator working and residing in Dallas, TX. Bryant’s approach to research and curatorial practice has been integral to her process of furthering conversations surrounding black culture in art as well as historical studies.
The Oak Cliff Cultural Center is located at 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. next to the historic Texas Theater in Oak Cliff – Dallas, TX. Operating hours are Tuesday-Saturday from Noon to 6 p.m. learning to be T.U.F. will be on view through March 29, 2024.
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