ZuCot Gallery owners Omari and Onaje Henderson and Troy Taylor PHOTO COURTESY OF ZUCOT GALLERY
Unveiling the Canvas
As Atlanta’s art scene continues to flourish, ZuCot Gallery paints a future where art, technology and community create a masterpiece of cultural vibrancy.
Helmed by a trio of engineering minds turned art enthusiasts Troy Taylor and brothers Onaje and Omari Henderson, this unique space redefines the gallery experience. “Our mission is to create a space where living artists of the African Diaspora can unapologetically tell their stories and where the work created is then collected and appreciated by the community,” explains managing partner Onaje. This vision has transformed ZuCot Gallery into more than just a gallery—it’s become a cultural hub where art, technology, and community intersect.
“What makes us unique is that we really pay attention to our audience and make certain that we are not only just showing work but also educating about the importance of collecting,” he adds. “We’re also all engineers with backgrounds in corporate engineering, innovation and disruption, strategy, and other functions. These backgrounds uniquely qualify us to solve complex challenges while incorporating technology into the industry. This thinking led to our partnership with Microsoft.” The gallery’s partnership with Microsoft underscores its innovative spirit, while its focus on collector education ensures that the art finds homes where it will be appreciated.
ZuCot’s recent Heritage in Hues exhibition exemplifies its commitment to cultural preservation and education. Featuring the work of Esther Mahlangu, the show brought traditional Ndebele art to Atlanta’s doorstep. “We speak a lot as gallery owners of the importance of being a Custodian of Culture. How we all have a responsibility to collect our things and pass them down for generations,” notes Onaje. “Heritage in Hues is a great example of that.”
The gallery’s curation process is as intriguing as the art itself. “We typically start our curation with a general theme that includes a short narrative,” shares Omari. “The artists are then able to express themselves however they want with that theme in mind. We cover a range of mediums, but more importantly, as a gallery, we are really interested in the narrative and what the artist is attempting to convey. It’s always amazing to see a common thought or concept reimagined from the mind of an artist.”
But what truly sets ZuCot apart is its ability to bridge worlds. From hosting gatherings for political figures to celebrating life’s milestones, the gallery has become a nexus for diverse communities. “The beauty of the gallery is that it is a perfect space for all types of gatherings,” says Onaje. “No matter the event, the work on the wall is never a backdrop. For many people, their first time coming to a gallery may be one of those events mentioned above, but when they come in and see the work, it makes an everlasting impression. So many of those event attendees are now our collectors all because of our focus on making sure that we are a gallery first and everything else comes after.”
Looking ahead, ZuCot continues to evolve. “Our holiday exhibition will open in November,” notes Onaje. “This is always a fun exhibition because we feature a number of artists, and the price points vary for those who would like to give the gift of art for the holidays.”