Two new exhibitions at Artworks Trenton examine how perspective, identity, and history shape personal and collective understanding through contemporary visual art. A free opening reception for both exhibits takes place Saturday, February 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Both exhibits remain on view through Saturday, February 28.
In the Main Gallery, FUGAZI, a self-titled multidisciplinary exhibition by Trenton-based artist FUGAZI, explores perspective as the foundation of human experience. Rooted in moral relativism, the work reflects on how truth is shaped by culture, time, and personal identity. Centering the relationship between the observer and the observed, the exhibition invites viewers to consider how meaning shifts depending on who is looking and from where. Through introspective works that encourage dialogue and reflection, FUGAZI suggests that while realities may differ, shared meaning can emerge between perspectives.
In the Community Gallery, Celestial Bodies by Rashad Malik Davis is a reclamation of Black and Queer identity grounded in ancestral knowledge and spiritual history. Drawing from his academic background in anthropology, Davis examines Queerness as an ancient and sacred presence within many indigenous African cultures, one later disrupted by colonial erasure. The exhibition features acrylic paintings portraying real-life figures and deities alongside hand-cut wooden masks, honoring histories of reverence, power, and cosmic balance. Celestial Bodies invites viewers to reconnect with narratives of wholeness and to witness Queerness as sacred, celebrated, and enduring.
Davis is an author/illustrator, character designer, and entrepreneur whose work explores themes of magic, the mystic, empathy, emotional literacy, and diverse narratives. He is the author of a children’s picture book series, “Carefree, Like Me!”
“We are excited to host these two amazing exhibitions by two local artists. Both of these moving exhibitions are a great way for Artworks to kick-off the new exhibition year,” says Addison Vincent, creative director for Artworks Trenton.
FUGAZI & Celestial Bodies, Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton. Opening reception Saturday, February 7, 6 to 8 p.m. On view through February 28. Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. www.artworkstrenton.org.
The Trenton Free Public Library and the Trenton Artists Workshop Association (TAWA) present the public discussion “Mel Leipzig, Street Artists, and Trenton’s Art Future” at the Trenton Free Public Library on Saturday, February 7, at 2 p.m.
The free event is held in conjunction with the exhibition “Mel Leipzig: Tattoo and Street Artists” on view in the library gallery through Sunday, March 22.
Featured on the program are Trenton street artists Rain, Lank, Raz, and others; American Graffiti Museum in Trenton representative Julia Taylor; exhibition curator and artist Liz Aubrey; and arts writer Dan Aubrey.
The event is part of the Trenton City Museum’s city-wide series of projects to commemorate the late nationally known Trenton artist and instructor who died in November 2025.
Mel Leipzig, Street Artists, and Trenton’s Art Future, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street, Trenton. Saturday, February 7, 2 p.m. Associated exhibition on view through Sunday, March 22. More information on the Trenton Artists Workshop Association can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
‘Shadow of Water and the Spirit’ by Rashad Malik Davis’ from his exhibit "Celestial Bodies" opening Saturday, February 7, at Artworks Trenton.,
February 7.
