Chromophore Artspace – Illuminating Richmond’s Creative Edge
Nestled in Richmond’s vibrant arts district, Chromophore Artspace is redefining what it means to be a platform for emerging and experimental art. Founded with the mission to amplify underrepresented voices and foster fearless creativity, this artist-run space has quickly become a hub for bold expression, collaboration, and community-driven programming. We spoke with founder Ayah Davis-Karim, a mixed media artist with a background in the fields of architecture, interior design, and fashion, to learn how they’re shaping the local art scene—and why challenging the norm is central to their vision.
CultureWorks: The name "Chromophore" is unique. Can you explain its significance and how it reflects the gallery's mission?
Ayah: The word Chromophore comes from the Greek “chromo” meaning color, and “phoros” meaning bearer. In chemistry, chromophores are the groups of atoms or molecules which absorb light and reflect color. Color has always been a huge part of my practice as an artist. I’ve noticed the healing power of color in my own life, and I want to share that with as many people as possible. It’s been a dream of mine to have a space to show and sell my work alongside the work of other artists and creative entrepreneurs of color whose work I admire. I developed this business concept as part of the Jackson Ward Collective’s Community Business Academy in 2024. During the ideation phase, I struggled a bit with the name. One evening, as I was watching the “Frida” documentary, one of her well known quotes came across the screen “You [Diego] were called Auxochrome, the one who captures color. I, Chromophore - the one who gives color”. It instantly felt right, because Frida Kahlo really inspires me in so many ways, and the name perfectly encapsulated my vision.
CultureWorks: Can you share some examples of past exhibitions or events that encapsulate Chromophore's ethos?
Ayah: Chromophore’s first exhibit, Love & Liberation during Black History Month, highlighted the works of over 12 local and regional Black Artists reflecting themes of black joy, resilience, expression, and love as liberatory practices. In March to honor the convergence of Women’s History Month with Ramadan, we hosted an Artist Tea & Talk and unveiled A Ramadan Room of Her Own during First Friday. This Sacred Space immersive exhibit featured work that centers both women and Islamic identity, and invited the public to observe or participate in some of the rituals of Ramadan. The current exhibit in the main gallery features works by other artists who identify as Muslim, some of whom are showing for the first time. In April, we hosted the first Color Therapy Art + Sound Bath multi-sensory workshop. These monthly workshops each focus on a different color, and on balancing the emotions and energy centers in the body linked to that color.
CultureWorks: In what ways does Chromophore serve as a community hub beyond being a gallery space?
Ayah: Chromophore is a welcoming mixed use space - gallery, retail and gathering space. In addition to the rotating art exhibitions, you’ll find artful everyday items - like tote bags, wearable art, jewelry and accessories. In May, we are launching Fem Shop RVA, a 5 month retail residency for women owned businesses in collaboration with local non-profit For The Fem In You. We’re very excited to provide a platform for women to grow and develop their brands! The Sacred Space has been a place where folks stopped in to pray, meditate, read or journal. On Saturdays we have Sound Healing and on Sundays, we offer Restorative Yoga for the community, both sliding scale donation based. We have an upcoming healing workshop on May 9th called Alchemizing The Shadow led by a therapist & yoga instructor. As we grow, I envision this as a space for ongoing art classes for adults and children, book club meetings, artist and author talks, and poetry readings. The space is very flexible, and is also available to rent for private events at reasonable rates.
CultureWorks: How do you approach making art accessible and engaging to a diverse audience in Richmond?
Ayah: I see art as a necessity, not a luxury. It is one of the things that have always helped human beings make sense of the world we live in through expression of our identities thoughts, and emotions. Art is healing and the people who need it the most should be able to access it without significant barriers. At Chromophore, you’ll find something at varying price points ranging from $5-10 cards and stickers, to $25-35 prints, smaller works by emerging artists in the hundreds, to larger works by more established artists in the low thousands. Whether someone is new to acquiring art, or they are a seasoned collector, my advice is always to 1) buy what resonates with you and 2) don’t be afraid to inquire about installment payments. If a piece really compels you and speaks to a part of you, your culture, or world view, get it! I encourage people to consider the long term positive impact a piece of art will have, and to view that as an investment in self care versus things that are more fleeting. This approach aligns with current art market trends that signal accessibility, transparency in pricing, and investing in emerging artists as high priorities for collectors and galleries.
CultureWorks: How does Chromophore contribute to the broader conversation about representation and equity in the art world?
Ayah: Representation is vital to Chromophore’s mission. Personally speaking, I began making art that represented multiple parts of my identity because I did not see that in the art world. Also, people from my demographic sometimes find it difficult to collect art that resonates with who they are. Museums repeatedly say that they want to diversify their collections and programming, and I think that’s created a perception that the art world now favors work from historically underrepresented groups. However, the data points to a different reality. The Burns-Halperin Report collected data for over a decade on representation in the US art market. It shows that museum acquisitions and collections don’t represent the populations they serve. For example, women make up just over 50% of the population, yet account for only 11% of acquisitions. Black Americans represent just over 13% of the population, but only about 2% of acquisitions, with the number for black women artists even lower at 0.5%. So Chromophore is bringing awareness to this issue, and hopefully shifting the narrative by carving out a small space where artists from traditionally underrepresented groups are prioritized.
CultureWorks: How can the community support Chromophore's mission and growth moving forward?
Ayah: Chromophore is designed for the community and needs full participation from our community members in order to thrive. Visit the space consistently as new exhibits, merchandise and programming are always being added. Spread the word - tell a friend and bring a friend. Invest in art, value the work of artists, and support the creative entrepreneurs we’re amplifying. Consider coming to our community offerings, whether it’s a class/workshop, a yoga session or soundbath. Follow us on IG @chromophore_artspace to stay updated as we grow and expand our offerings.