Dexter Merritt sells artwork from his collection through a business in Gaithersburg, Maryland, aptly called “Positive Black Image.”
Dexter Merritt's goal was to curate a collection of artwork that truly reflected the breadth and depth of the Black experience. (Image courtesy of Positive Black)
Providing a positive black image
Dexter Merritt's goal was to curate a collection of artwork that truly reflected the breadth and depth of the Black experience. (Image courtesy of Positive Black)
Providing a positive black image
Merritt is able to sell pieces from his collection through his business in Gaithersburg, Md., aptly called “Positive Black Image.” (Image courtesy of Positive Black)
Providing a positive black image
Merritt is able to sell pieces from his collection through his business in Gaithersburg, Md., aptly called “Positive Black Image.” (Image courtesy of Positive Black)
Providing a positive black image
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For Dexter Merritt, owning a business that sells artwork depicting positive aspects of black life is about more than just seeing paintings, attracting customers, and making money. It's about promoting cultural affirmation, celebrating diversity, and promoting social change.
“Our mission is to curate, showcase and share the rich and diverse images that emanate from African American culture and the Black experience,” Merritt said.
Merritt's work is essentially about deeply understanding the intersection between art, identity, and community empowerment.
At the core of his business is a commitment to uplifting the stories of Black individuals and communities.
“I started visiting a lot of art galleries and found some pieces that I liked, but I also realized that there was a certain lack of what I was looking for,” Merritt said. “As I traveled from one gallery to another, I was lucky enough to meet and keep in touch with some talented artists.”
Merritt's goal was to curate a collection of artwork that truly reflected the breadth and depth of the Black experience.
It involves collaborating with a diverse range of artists, from established masters to emerging talent, who bring their unique perspectives and voices to the forefront.
“Over time, we have been able to build an art collection that we feel is representative of our culture and the richness of the Black experience,” Merritt said.
Now, Merritt can sell pieces from that collection through a business in Gaithersburg, Maryland, aptly called “Positive Black Image.”
Merritt said the artwork “represents the past, present and future of our culture.”
Subjects include themes such as family life, religion, music and rhythm, the pursuit of education, and black voices.
“We believe that art can be more than just a collection of beautiful paintings,” Merritt said. “It can be used to convey a positive image that brings motivation and hope to all people.”
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