Until June 22, Etherton Gallery in Tucson presents an exhibition by Alanna Airitam entitled Black Diamonds.
It is a selection of photographic portraits of distinguished, historically Black, “one-percenter” motorcycle club members. The term “one percent” refers to a comment allegedly made in 1960 by a former president of the American Motorcyclist Association, that 99% of motorcycle clubs were law-abiding citizens, implying the last one percent were outlaws.
In the series Black Diamonds, Alanna Airitam sets out to recover the complex historical narrative of Black “one-percenter” motorcycle clubs through portraiture, embarking on a unique project that will ultimately take her across the United States. Some of the original members of the clubs are passing away, taking their personal stories with them, and lending an urgency to her project. Most of the historically Black, one-percenter motorcycle clubs were established by veterans of the Korean War to create a brotherhood and a safe space where they could enjoy the freedom and independence of the road, and share their daily struggles with one another.
Alanna Airitam : Black Diamonds
Until June 22, 2024
Etherton Gallery
340 S Convent Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
www.ethertongallery.com
