In her first exhibition with Etherton Gallery, Alanna Airitam reveals an untold story from Black history in portraits of members of Chosen Few MC, an historically Black, “one-percenter” motorcycle club. 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, implying the last one percent were outlaws. A diamond shaped patch worn on a member’s vest signifies their membership in a “one percent” club. Until now, the popular image of motorcycle culture was almost exclusively represented by the Hells Angels and the 1969 cult film Easy Rider. Few people know that the two chopper motorcycles featured in the film were designed by Black civil rights worker, photographer, and motorcycle designer, Cliff “Sonny” Vaughs, a member of Chosen Few. Employing the strategies of traditional European portraiture and black studio photography to represent Chosen Few members, Airitam’s photographs offer a unique view into this little known and extremely private culture. Black Diamonds opens April 9, 2024 and runs through June 22, with a reception on April 13th at 7-10pm. For more information contact Etherton Gallery at info@ethertongallery.com.

© Alanna Airitam, Boss Mike, Chosen Few, NOMAD President, 2023 archival pigment print with varnish, 30 x 40 in., ed. of 5 + 3 A/Ps, Courtesy Etherton Gallery