Art Picks: Must See Exhibits for 2023
Need a little guidance for your art seeing journey this summer? Here are my top picks of Black & POC art exhibits for 2023
EXHIBIT REVIEW: “COLOR ODYSSEY“ AT THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see the Emma Amos “Color Odyssey” exhibit. I was very excited to see this particular exhibition for many reasons. One being that so many of the creatives and artists I follow on social media had rave reviews on the art they had seen. Secondly, I was very interested in seeing the work of a Black woman artist that I never heard of before this exhibition.
ARTIST HIGHLIGHT: MAORI KARMAEL HOLMES • FOUNDER OF BLACKSTAR FILM FESTIVAL
Maori Karmael Holmes is the founder and artistic director of BlackStar Film Festival, which was founded in 2012. Holmes is also a curator, filmmaker and writer who has organized programs in film and performance at a variety of organizations including Anthology Film Archives, Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, Barnes Foundation, Asian Arts Initiative, Painted Bride Art Center, and Scribe Video Center just to name a few.
MY FAVORITE FILMS FROM THE 10TH BLACKSTAR FILM FESTIVAL
The 10th annual BlackStar Film Festival took place on August 4th – 8th 2021 in Philadelphia, PA offering both in-person and virtual events. Attendees had the opportunity to attend panels, network during happy hour events and even attend in person film screenings at the Mann Center and Eakins Oval. It was such an exciting way to celebrate BIPOC filmmakers, visual artists and film lovers with an array of events and film premieres.
EXHIBIT REVIEW: IMMIGRANT MENTALITY • PARADIGM GALLERY
On July 23rd, Paradigm Gallery + Studio opened “Immigrant Mentality”, a solo exhibition from street artist Sean 9 Lugo that featured new paintings, illustrations and even a bodega installation which represents the immigrant experience in the United States. Visiting the gallery space, I instantly felt the presence of Latin/Hispanic culture just by the music that blasted through the speakers that was very reminiscent of the music I would listen to as I entered my local corner store during my childhood.
EXHIBIT REVIEW: “SUMMERHOUSE” HOT • BED GALLERY
On Saturday, July 17th I was able to visit the downtown hot spot that is Hot Bed Gallery to take a look at the open call exhibition “SUMMERHOUSE” that opened on June 19th of this year. As soon as I stepped into the space I was greeted with beautiful greenery and lively, bright colors exploding off the canvases.
Four CLOTHING BRANDS DOING IT 4 THA CULTURE
Just because COVID took away our summer doesn’t mean we can’t still look stylish and cool even if we are in the house. This is the perfect time to support black owned businesses and look fly doing it. Be sure to check out my five favorite clothing brands this month below. And as always let them know Black Hippie Art sent you.
ACTIVISM IN ARTS: WHAT IT MEANS TO CREATE FOR THE REVOLUTION
Its 2020 and still black lives are being taken by the hands of police in the form of brutality and racism. We are still having to march the streets in protests, peace rallies and demonstrations. For so long the fight to be equal within this country has been met with nonchalant answers or even silence from the other side. Now more than ever we demand answers and most importantly change. While some organize events and protests to make their voices heard, others may turn to their canvas or any other tools to create to relay the message that black lives matter.
STAYING TRUE TO YOURSELF IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY: BECAUSE SOCIAL MEDIA DOESN’T HAVE YOUR BACK.
With social media platforms today such as Instagram and Twitter, we are heavily influenced on our personality, style and fashion. Sometimes social media can guide us to make up a persona or alter ego in ourselves that can alter our true image. Oftentimes we are on social media so much that we forget to separate the real from the fake, especially when it comes to fashion.
Is Studying Fashion Design Worth It?
Two years ago I was studying fine arts at a community college in Maryland before I realized that I need to take the next step to being a fashion designer. I'm not saying that school is the only way to be successful because many people made it without school in some cases like Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs. Education definitely helps move you up the ladder in the fashion industry.
Why It’s Important to Have a Mentor
The definition of a mentor is an experienced and trusted adviser — someone who has done something before you, and can give you the tips and tricks to avoid making the same mistakes they might have made.
Building Your Team As An Artist
When it comes to creating, most people think of lone mad scientists creating concoctions in a dark laboratory. Well, aside from television and movies, creating doesn’t exactly work that way. Sometimes it takes a creating team to help you assemble that perfect product, service, or piece of art. No matter what your medium or skill set is, two heads (or more!) adding to those skills is always better than one.