This Week: Annual Tenants Exhibit artist talk at Motor House, FRESH BLACK FILMS at Le Mondo, Virginia Warwick artist talk at Night Owl, MSAC Apprenticeship Film Series at Creative Alliance, an installation from Shannon Collis and Liz Donadio at The Voxel, closing reception for Feedback Loop at Gallery CA, The Peale’s 210th birthday, opening reception for Monica Ikegwu at Galerie Myrtis, and an artist talk + closing for Monique Crabb and Viscous at Current — PLUS Preservation Trades Instructors needed at The Peale and more featured opportunities!
Image: Chukwuemeka 1 (left) and Chukwuemeka 2 (right), 2023, Oil on canvas, 48 x 36”, by Monica IkegwuBmoreArt’s Picks presents the best weekly art openings, events, and performances happening in Baltimore and surrounding areas. For a more comprehensive perspective, check the BmoreArt Calendar page, which includes ongoing exhibits and performances, and is updated on a daily basis.
To submit your calendar event, email us at events@bmoreart.com!
In- House: Annual Tenants Exhibition | Artist Talk
Tuesday, August 13 :: 8-9pm
@ Motor House
On August 13th at 8 PM, Motor House invites you to join the artist talk for IN-HOUSE: Annual Tenants Exhibit. The Motor House Artist Talk series offers the audience a unique and interactive experience in which they get to meet and discuss the content, process, and perspectives of the artists featured in the exhibit.
Curated by the Executive Director, Camille Kashaka, “IN-HOUSE” is an exhibit dedicated to amplifying the artistry of the resident artists, staff, and program producers of Motor House. The Artist Talk is free to attend, but registration is encouraged, as seating will be limited and will likely meet capacity.
“The uniqueness of Motor House can really be summed up in our staff and residents. Each of our amazing employees also has an art practice that uniquely enhances their ability to serve Baltimore’s art community. I’m thankful that I’ve been able to glean from so much talent and create something of my own. Furthermore, our resident artists have captivated the world through their artistry. Ernest Shaw, Elisa Murillo, Jazzy Studios, Tamara Payne, Gary Mullen and many other great talents call Motor House home. It gives me great pride to know that my artwork is exhibited among people I consider the masters of their craft.” – Raymond J. Spence, Marketing and Communications Manager at Motor House, 4 Submitted works in exhibit.
At the helm of the discussion will be Camile Kashaka who has prepared a unique line of questioning for each artist. Audience members will have the opportunity to address the Artists in attendance directly with a Q&A segment. For those curious about creative processes, development of ideas, or overcoming adversity both internally and externally, this Artist Talk is for you.
Attending Artists:
● Jon Brick
● Jeff Butler
● Gary Mullen
● Alfonso Smith Jr.
● The Spence Family
FRESH BLACK FILMS
Thursday, August 15 :: 7-9pm
@ Le Mondo
Nomadic cinema and curators The Luminal Theater present FRESH BLACK FILMS – showcasing the work of emerging Black filmmakers from the Northeast USA.
Our series exposes fresh audiences to new, dynamic work from emerging Black filmmakers, and Black filmmakers and creatives to more of each other’s original work.
Join us for five diverse films that include intense dramas and funky experimental fare!
Why Emerging Filmmakers for FRESH BLACK FILMS
It’s literally in the name of our series. We define “emerging” as filmmakers, regardless of age, who are fairly new to directing & producing cinema, and have had only intermediate success on the film festival circuit, and also may have not had films acquired by major distribution or streaming platforms. All our selected filmmakers have unique perspectives that are aching to be seen and discovered and supported by audiences like you and film industry professionals.
This edition of Fresh Black Films is sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and venue partner Le Mondo, with sponsorship prizes from Final Draft and Coverfly.
Extensions: A Journey Beyond the Glance | Opening Reception
Saturday, August 17 :: 2-6pm
@ Galerie Myrtis
On View
August 17 – September 21, 2024
Opening Reception
Saturday, August 17th – Time: 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Tea with Myrtis
Saturday. September 21st – Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Galerie Myrtis is delighted to present “Extensions,” the inaugural solo exhibition by acclaimed artist Monica Ikegwu. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, August 17, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. The opening is free and open to the public. We invite everyone to join us for this special event.
In “Extensions,” Ikegwu’s masterful execution of hyperrealist portrayals of African Americans delves into the complexities and joys of their life experiences. Her paintings reveal the duality of her subjects, exuding confidence and composure while also displaying introspection and moments of joy. Ikegwu captures the subjects’ outward personas and inner essences with fluid brushstrokes and vivid hues. Set against monochromatic backgrounds that subtly add depth and dimension to the composition. The artist’s work is both striking and profoundly insightful.
Join us for “Tea with Myrtis” on Saturday, September 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, featuring an intimate and enlightening conversation between Monica Ikegwu and Dr. Myrtis Bedolla. Ikegwu will share the unique stories and inspirations behind her latest body of work. And provide insight into her personal journey and creative process. This is a ticketed event. Registration opens August 21st.
“In the hustle of daily life, how many people do you truly see? A handful? Maybe hundreds? Each fleeting glance offers only a fragmented snapshot of who they are in that moment. In my exhibition, Extensions, I explore the dynamic nature of human demeanor, attitude, and character, seeking to capture the complexity that lies beyond a single visual impression.
Through my hyper-realistic portraits of African Americans, I ask my subjects to reveal two distinct facets of their identity, each contributing to a holistic understanding of their persona. This duality encourages us to reconsider how we define and perceive individuals. What we see is just one dimension, but as we delve deeper and truly engage with others, we uncover the multiple layers of their personalities, which often manifest subtly in their appearance.
Having access to these less visible aspects of people transforms our perception of them. It enriches our understanding and fosters a deeper connection.
Moreover, this exploration extends to the concept of interconnectedness. Our identity can be reflected in those close to us—whether it’s a child, a sibling, or a friend. These relationships act as extensions of ourselves, revealing facets of our identity that might not be immediately apparent on the surface.
My work invites you to look beyond the surface and appreciate the multifaceted nature of human identity, ultimately challenging and enriching your perception of those around you.” – Monica Ikegwu
The exhibition will be held from August 17th to September 21st at Galerie Myrtis. Gallery hours: Wednesday – Saturday from 2:00 – 6:00 pm by appointment. Hours are extended during special events. For additional information on this exhibition, please contact the gallery at (410) 235‐3711 or Ky Vassor, Gallery Manager, at ky@galeriemyrtis.com. For sales inquiries, please contact our Sales Manager, Noel Bedolla, at noel@galerimyrtis.com.
Read more of this week’s picks at BmoreArt
