Artist Miya Bailey opens Old Rabbit Gallery in Atlanta

Miya Bailey’s concentration was undisturbed as he carefully tattooed a client’s left leg at City of Ink’s private tattoo and social club.

City of Ink is located above his first contemporary art gallery, Peter Street Station. Bailey was calm, composed and collected one evening, nothing in the world could take his eyes off his work, not even when he was talking about his newest gallery. On September 1, 2023, Bailey opened his second contemporary art gallery, Old Rabbit Gallery. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Bailey moved to Atlanta in 1994 to escape the streets and pursue a career in art. For Bailey, art is a social endeavor that balances solitude and collaboration. Bailey’s decision to open Old Rabbit Gallery was influenced by the vibrant art scene he found on Peter Street.

“When I moved to Peter Street, there were a lot of art galleries here,” Bailey recalls.

The space that now houses the Old Rabbit Gallery used to house an art gallery. Bailey felt it was time to revive the gallery scene in the area. His goal was to reinvigorate the local art scene and provide a platform for contemporary artists, he says.

“All my friends are artists, everyone I know. I like being social. I like working in private, but when I did Peter Street Station it was mainly because I didn’t want to work alone all the time,” Bailey said.

Bailey’s goal was to create a space where artists could interact, learn and grow together.

“Sometimes I want to hang out with my friends and paint up here,” he says. “Sometimes I want to paint alone. Sometimes I want to, you know, keep the option open or get inspiration from another artist from there. But we exchange ideas,” Bailey continued.

“The opportunity to curate art in all of these beautiful galleries that Miya Bailey has created has been very rewarding. He trusts and believes in my vision, and the community I love does too,” said Plushette Ellis, curator of the gallery.

Currently on view at Old Rabbit is the exhibit “Troublesome,” which features the work of Mr. Soul, a Cleveland-born graphic artist. Mr. Soul moved to Atlanta on November 23, 1996, a date that coincided with his nephew’s birthday. His decision to move was influenced by both personal and professional motives, and he believed Atlanta’s vibrant culture was ideal for his artistic development. The music and movement of the Dungeon Family and Organized Noize, which provided a powerful musical backdrop, inspired his vision for his art.

Looking back on his exhibit, “Troublesome,” whose title was inspired by a Tupac song, Mr. Soul told The Atlanta Voice that the song’s energy resonated with his experiences of ups and downs, particularly during his 20 years in Atlanta. The exhibit, which includes 20 pieces, also touches on significant moments, such as conversations he had with his father before his death in 2016 and his subsequent move back to Cleveland.

Mr. Soul hopes that new viewers of his art will feel the energy behind his art and find personal meaning in it. “I want people to be inspired by the work. I want the community of artists and people in Atlanta that I made the work for to be happy with the presentation, and that I made this show in part for that community as well,” Soul said.

The imagery in Mr. Soul’s work often evokes strong social and political themes. The series “Dusted and Disgusted,” inspired by a song by E-40, tackles themes such as street politics, betrayal, and systemic forces that cause poverty and violence. The series features young black women who seem ready to challenge the status quo and represents a generation that is aware of the societal issues it faces. Another notable piece in his collection is the Marvin Gaye piece, which was inspired by his mother’s love for the artist.

“My My” is Bailey’s next (and 8th) solo art exhibition and is scheduled to premiere on September 6, 2024.

July 5th marks the opening of Old Rabbit Gallery’s newest exhibition, “Adult Swim,” a solo show by Kaylah Hagler.

The Old Rabbit Gallery is located at 309A Peters Street, Atlanta, GA 30313.

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