Devin Allen – The Textures of Us: A Retrospective…

The Textures of Us: A Retrospective by Devin Allen
October 25, 2024 – January 11, 2025

Devin Allen, Untitled – Baltimore, The Texture That Made Us Series, 2023
Images courtesy the artist and Galerie Myrtis

Opening Reception
October 25, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 pm

Writer’s Talk (this event is fully booked)
November 23, 2024
2:00 – 4:00 pm
To be added to the waitlist for the talk please contact Ky Vassor, Gallery Manager.

Youth Photo Walk & Talk (Registration Required)
December 7, 2024
2:00 – 4:00 pm (Youth participants only) – Click here to Register
4:00 – 6:00 pm (Discussion open to all) – Click here to Register

Tea with Myrtis (Ticket required)
January 11, 2025
2:00 – 4:00 pm

“The Textures of Us” is an early retrospective celebrating the release of Allen’s third book, Devin Allen: Baltimore, featuring writings from Salamishah Tillet, D. Watkins, Darnell Moore, and Peter Kunhardt Jr. This exhibition highlights Allen’s impactful photojournalism in Baltimore, capturing a range of scenes from protests against police brutality to moments of tranquility in the lives of Black citizens.

The exhibit encompasses a diverse collection of works from the past decade of Allen’s career, showcasing excerpts from his forthcoming book, along with previously unreleased images, video collages, and works from his mentees.

Baltimore native Devin Allen is an acclaimed photographer and author who captures the richness and struggles of African American life. His powerful images offer a nuanced portrayal of Black life in Baltimore and advocate for social equity by documenting civil demonstrations.

A key aspect of Allen’s work is his documentation of national protests against police brutality. He first gained recognition for his coverage of the Baltimore Uprising following the death of Freddie Gray in 2015. His photographs were featured on the cover of Time Magazine in both 2015 and 2020, making him the third amateur photographer in history to receive this honor. Allen’s commitment to social justice has also been acknowledged through Gordon Parks Foundation Fellowships in 2017 and 2023. His photos from these protests and Baltimore inspired his books A Beautiful Ghetto and No Justice, No Peace: From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter.

Writer’s Talk (this event is fully booked)
November 23, 2024
2:00 – 4:00 pm
To be added to the waitlist for the talk please contact Ky Vassor, Gallery Manager.

Join Devin Allen and award-winning writer D. Watkins to explore the themes of the forthcoming book Devin Allen: Baltimore and discuss the stories behind the featured images. This free event requires registration, as seating is limited.

Tea with Myrtis
Join us for Tea with Myrtis, an intimate conversation between Devin Allen and Dr. Myrtis Bedolla. During this special event, Allen will share the stories and inspirations behind his forthcoming book, Devin Allen: Baltimore, while providing insight into his creative process.

Tea with Myrtis is an art salon series that engages artists, collectors, and arts professionals in conversations about trends in contemporary art. This is a ticketed event with limited seating.
Registration opens December 11th.

January 11, 2025
2:00 – 4:00 pm

Delita Martin Sometimes My Blues Change Colors

Sometimes My Blues Change Colors

The Me I Must Remember, 2023
Relief Printing, Charcoal, Acrylic, Liquid gold leaf, Printed Papers, Hand stitching, Pastels
59 x 63 ″, by Delita Martin

Solo Exhibition – Delita Martin
view exhibition catalog

LOCATION: Featherstone Center for the Arts
30 Featherstone Lane (Martha’s Vineyard)
Oak Bluffs, MA, 02557
508-693-1850

Opening Reception
July 28th, 4:00 – 6:00 pm.

Exhibition
July 28 – September 1, 2024

POSTED AT FEATHERSTONEART.COM:
The exhibit marks a historic milestone as Delita Martin is the inaugural African American artist to present a solo exhibition in the Francine Kelly Gallery at Featherstone Center for the Arts. Curated by Dr. Myrtis Bedolla, this groundbreaking exhibit, opens its doors on Sunday, July 28th, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

As part of the exhibition’s programming, Martin will engage in a conversation with Dr. Bedolla during an Artist Talk scheduled for Wednesday, July 31st, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. This dialogue promises to provide invaluable insights into Martin’s artistic process and inspirations, offering attendees a deeper understanding of her visionary creations. Events are free and open to the public.

Additionally, a program in collaboration with the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) will take place on Thursday, August 1st, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Martin and Dalila Scruggs, SAAM’s Augusta Savage Curator of African American Art, will discuss Elizabeth Catlett’s art and legacy.

Extensions Solo Exhibition by Monica Ikegwu

Extensions

Chukwuemeka 1 (left) and Chukwuemeka 2 (right), 2023, Oil on canvas, 48 x 36”, by Monica Ikegwu

Solo Exhibition – Monica Ikegwu
August 17 – September 28, 2024

Opening Reception
August 17th, 2:00 – 6:00 pm.

view artwork

Programming
Tea with Myrtis
Saturday, September 21st, Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Ticketed event – details below

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.

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.

Artist’s Statement
“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

Programing
Tea with Myrtis
Saturday, September 21st, Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
SOLD OUT

Biography

Monica Ikegwu (b.1998, Baltimore, Maryland) is a figurative painter. Ikegwu earned a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and an MFA from the New York Academy of Art.

In presenting the notion of the Black figure that is captivating and unconventional, Ikegwu uses color, fluid lines, and textured backgrounds to compose hyperrealist imagery. The concepts for her paintings stem from her surroundings, experiences, and encounters with people in Baltimore. The subjects presented in Ikegwu’s paintings are often her friends, siblings, and other family members from whom she draws her inspiration as she watches them progress through life.

Ikegwu is among the eight African American artists featured in the 2022 Venice Biennale exhibition The Afro-Futurist Manifesto: Blackness Reimagined, curated by Myrtis Bedolla of Galerie Myrtis. The exhibit explores the theme of Black life on the continuum of its imagined future presented in the Personal Structures art fair.

Ikegwu earned first place in the XL Catlin Art prize (2018), was a YoungArts Finalist (2017), a Gold medal winner in the NAACP ACT-SO National competition (2016), and a Scholastic silver medal portfolio winner (2016). Her work was exhibited at the XL Catlin Art Prize traveling exhibition and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in 2018.

Photograph by Lia Latty

Moon in Scorpio featuring Megan Lewis

Moon in Scorpio

*Everything begins with a thought*, 2023, Oil and acrylic on canvas 48″ x 60″

Solo Exhibition – Megan Lewis
May 11th – July 20, 2024

Opening Reception
May 11th, 2:00 – 6:00 pm.

Programming
July 20th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Artist Talk with Megan Lewis (SOLD OUT!)
Want to get on the WAIT List?
Email ky@galeriemyrtis.net

view artwork

Galerie Myrtis proudly presents “Moon in Scorpio,” the inaugural solo exhibition by acclaimed artist Megan Lewis. The opening reception will be held at Galerie Myrtis, 2224 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, May 11th from 2:00 ‐ 6:00 pm. The opening is free, and all are welcome. No appointment is necessary to attend.

“In ‘Moon and Scorpio,’ I delve into the emotional depth and passion of predominantly male figures as they contemplate life’s intricacies. Through my work, I explore themes of personal growth, transformation, and the pursuit of lessons learned. Drawing inspiration from my hometown of Baltimore, I weave together nonlinear, imaginative, and realistic scenes using collage, fabric and photography, enhanced by texture, color, glitter, and pattern. Resilient and transformative, Scorpio Moon individuals have a natural inclination towards self-improvement and personal growth. The Scorpio Moon tends to keep their emotions bottled up, not expressing much, which ends up leading them to run to extremes. This body of work serves as a release.

My subjects fearlessly confront their shadows, embracing change, diving deep into the wilderness of their emotions, unafraid, through stillness and contemplation, with an intensity that remains palpable. It’s a time for reflecting on the past and releasing the old to make way for the new. They are naturally inclined towards transformation and personal growth. They are not afraid to confront their shadows and work through challenges. Their approach involves deep self-reflection, embracing change, and using their emotional depth as a tool for self-discovery and improvement.” – Megan Lewis

Programing
Artist Talk featuring Megan Lewis
July 20th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

Artist Talk featuring Megan Lewis in dialogue with Dr. Myrtis Bedolla. Through her art, Lewis challenges viewers to examine their biases and assumptions, fostering a deeper conversation about the complexities of the human experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the transformative impact of Megan Lewis’s work and contribute to the dialogue on Black masculinity in today’s society. The artist’s talk is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. RSVP is required to attend (registration details to be announced).

Megan Lewis (b. 1989, Baltimore, MD) is an accomplished painter known for using various mediums to create paintings that delve into critical perspectives on social, historical, and cultural issues related to Black life. Her recent body of work explores the Black male experience, particularly within the context of Baltimore.

Through her vivid and evocative compositions, Lewis provides viewers with thought-provoking portrayals of the daily lives of men in her community. Her artworks, whether based on real-life experiences or imagined scenarios, offer a window into the multifaceted ways men of the African diaspora navigate the world.

In her paintings, Lewis captures the universal truth of the shared concerns that Black men face in their lives, including the desire to assert their personhood, gain respect, and challenge the stereotypical beliefs and biases that often shape perceptions of who they are. Her work thus serves as a powerful reflection of the challenges and triumphs of Black men in their quest for dignity, recognition, and the dismantling of harmful stereotypes.

The Afro-Futurist Manifesto: Blackness Reimagined – Installation Photos

Installation Photos (by Matteo-Losurdo)

Art of the Collectors IX

Exhibition
February 10 – March 16, 2024
view artwork

Opening Reception
February 10th, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Programming
March 2nd, 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Join renowned trusts and estates attorney, James Larry Frazier, for an enlightening presentation on the intersection of estate planning and art collection management. RSVP is required to attend this event.
[SOLD OUT]

The Power of Love by Sam Gilliam, 1993
Acrylic on polypropylene paper on wood, 45.5x 77.5″
Image courtesy the Early Collection and Galerie Myrtis

Galerie Myrtis proudly presents Art of the Collectors IX, a curated exhibition showcasing masterpieces from private collections. Immerse yourself in the brilliance of 20th and 21st-century works of art by African and African American artists.

This extraordinary collection unveils the creative genius of artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, Sam Gilliam, Alvin Hollingsworth, and others who have significantly shaped the American art landscape. From rare paintings to original prints, captivating photographs to timeless sculptures, these treasures have been safeguarded by generations of art enthusiasts.

Join us in celebrating the cultural richness and artistic diversity of these unique works. We invite you to be a part of this exclusive showcase, where art enthusiasts and collectors alike can explore and acquire these gems that have adorned private spaces for decades.

Programing
Art of the Collectors IX program featuring James Larry Frazier
Saturday, March 2
2:00 – 4:00 pm.

Galerie Myrtis proudly presents the “Art of the Collectors IX” program on the intersection of estate planning and art collection management with renowned trusts and estate attorney, James Larry Frazier. Tailored for both novice and experienced art collectors, this session delves into the crucial importance of strategic estate planning to preserve and pass down your artistic legacy.

Frazier, with his extensive expertise, will guide you through the intricacies of protecting your art assets, addressing key considerations such as tax implications, valuation challenges, and the seamless transfer of your collection to family members, individuals or selected institutions. Whether you’re just beginning to build your art collection or seeking to refine your existing estate plan, Frazier’s insights offer practical strategies to ensure your artistic treasures are safeguarded for future generations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge that goes beyond legalities, providing a holistic approach to securing the future of your art collection within the framework of comprehensive estate planning. RSVP is required to attend this event. [SOLD OUT]

That Which Compels Me So

That Which Compels Me So…
November 18, 2023 – January 13, 2024

Opening Reception
Saturday, November 18, 2-6 pm

Featuring Jerrell Gibbs, Fabiola Jean-Louis,
Ya La’Ford, and Megan Lewis

| artwork preview | Tea with Myrtis is Back!

Galerie Myrtis is honored to introduce painter Jerrell Gibbs as the latest addition to its esteemed roster of artists. Gibbs is set to make his debut in the upcoming exhibition, “That Which Compels Me So…,” a survey and celebration of artists who have joined the gallery since 2021. Joining Gibbs in this exhibition are the exceptional talents of Fabiola Jean-Louis, Ya La’Ford, and Megan Lewis. Each artist brings their unique perspective and creative practice to the fore, resulting in a diverse and thought-provoking collection of works.

Through their respective creative practices, the artists in “That Which Compels Me So” invite viewers to contemplate the intricate interplay of memories, personal reflections, and the imaginative forces that fuel their artistic processes. This exhibition celebrates African American artistry and reflects the diverse and dynamic range of talent within Galerie Myrtis’s growing portfolio of artists.

Megan Lewis
Love Will Come Thru, 2023
Oil, acrylic and glitter on canvas, 48 x 48 ″

About the Artist’s

Jerrell Gibbs (b.1988, Baltimore, MD) is a painter committed to creating authentic and truthful work, and he reveals Black men as Godfearing husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons. His paintings highlight joy, beauty, and the mundane, all components within the vastness of Black life. The compositions, which are often taken from his family archive, focus on placement, size, and proportion as much as they do on mark-making and painterly gestures. His assertions of legacy highlight the performative nature of heritage and displacement of an audience unaccustomed to more extensive and wide-ranging portrayals of Black life.

In presenting a deeply personal and emotionally resonant collection of paintings, Gibbs delves into the intimate realm of family life. His canvases breathe with the spirit of kinship as he transforms family photographs into vibrant portraits. Through his masterful use of color, texture, and composition, Gibbs imbues these cherished family moments with new life and emotion. The artist invites us to share in his family’s joys, sorrows, and everyday experiences, making us feel like participants in his own familial journey.

Gibbs’ artistic endeavors are a compelling exploration of the vital processes of preserving and passing down traditions. His work conveys the significance of safeguarding cultural heritage, rituals, and practices to ensure continuity across generations. His work bridges the past, present, and future, emphasizing the enduring importance of traditions in shaping and enriching our cultural identity.

Fabiola Jean-Louis (b. 1978, Port Au Prince, Haiti) a photographer and conceptual artist, engages viewers in a critical dialogue on representation, race, and power dynamics. In her Rewriting History series, Jean-Louis skillfully reinterprets and reimagines the traditions of 15th to 19th-century portraiture in stunning tableaus as an exploration of Black women’s historical erasure and marginalization. She has adorned her subjects in ornate dresses and embellished slippers constructed of woven paper crafted entirely by her hands.

In the equally compelling Polaroids series, Jean-Louis’ sepia tone imagery serves as a visual commentary on the enduring strength and resilience of Black women throughout history, highlighting their agency in shaping their own narratives and identities.

Through her photography and storytelling, Jean-Louis effectively challenges historical narratives by centering Black women in her compositions while questioning the broader societal structures and systems perpetuating inequality.

Ya La’Ford (b. 1979, Bronx, NY) is a multidisciplinary artist who works across various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and printmaking. One of her notable series is the “Ancestral Portals: Future of Human Civilization (3355 AD),” featured in this exhibition.

Ford’s prints aim to create a visual atmosphere as a conduit for spiritual reflection. She pursues an understanding of the relationship and symbolic trajectories of the human experience and pulls them towards the spiritually sublime. Employing intricate techniques and hand and machine-sown embellishments, she creates visually arresting prints that reflect her deep connection to her cultural heritage. Geometric shapes, abstract patterns, and symbolisms give viewers a glimpse into her rich artistic lineage and the cultural influences shaping her creative vision.

There Within Lies the Gospel

There Within Lies the Gospel: Truth

Opening Reception
September 2, 2023
2:00 – 6:00 pm

This exhibition celebrates the rich history of black religious and spiritual traditions while also challenging the ways in which these practices continue to evolve and adapt in response to contemporary social and cultural realities.

Featured artists: Tawny Chatmon, Wesley Clark, Morel Doucet, Monica Ikegwu,M. Scott Johnson, Delita Martin, and Felandus Thames.

view artwork

Programming includes a book signing for “Shifting Time: African American Artists 2020-2021” on Saturday, September 16th from 5 – 7 pm. The event is in collaboration with the Petrucci Family Foundation (PFF). Claudia Volpe, the Director of PFF, and essayists Klare Scarborough and Berrisford Boothe will join featured artists for the event.

Exhibition Dates
September 2 – October 21, 2023

artwork
Light in the Darkness II, 2023
Oil Paint on Canvas, 24 x 18″
by Monica Ikegwu

Morel Doucet – Water Grieves in the Six Shades…

Morel Doucet – Water Grieves in the Six Shades of Death
May 20 – July 15, 2023

Opening Reception
Saturday, May 20th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Artist’s Talk
Saturday, July 8th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Galerie Myrtis is pleased to announce Morel Doucet’s solo exhibition Water Grieves in the Six Shades of Death. The opening reception will be held at Galerie Myrtis, 2224 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, May 20th from 6:00 ‐ 8:00 pm. The opening is free, and all are welcome. No appointment is necessary to attend.

“In Haitian American Morel Doucet’s first solo exhibition at Galerie Myrtis, ‘Water Grieves in the Six Shades of Death,’ the multidisciplinary artist investigates critical issues of environmental racism and displacement of Black and Brown people from their homes, particularly those living in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. Doucet deploys ceramics, colorful silhouettes of Little Haiti residents, indigenous birds, impressions of native flora and fauna, and decorative ironwork salvaged from demolished dwellings to explore the impact of climate change and developers on this marginalized community.” – Myrtis Bedolla

Morel Doucet
Black Maiden in Veil of Midnight, 2022
Slip-casted white earthenware
12.5 x 8.5 x 16 ″

An Artful Journey – The Collection of Dr James…

An Artful Journey: The Collection of Dr. James K. Hill (1935 – 2020)
Opening Reception: January 21st, 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Exhibition: January 21 – March 4, 2023

collection catalogue | preview the collection

Galerie Myrtis invites you to “An Artful Journey: The Collection of Dr. James K. Hill” on Saturday, January 21st, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. The exhibition, which honors Dr. Hill’s legacy and passion for the arts, features prints, paintings, photographs, posters, and sculptures by prominent African American artists, many of whom were his personal friends.

Dr. Hill discovered that he had the “eye” and the discernment to become a true art connoisseur. Dr. Hill’s taste was eclectic and wide-ranging, evident in his collection, which includes important Harlem Renaissance artists, American arts, and handicrafts. He was an enthusiastic supporter of artists and programs at the Howard University Art Gallery and the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University, as well as a frequent lecturer at the Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Community Museum.

Dr. Hill was a gifted scholar, scientist, medical educator, college administrator, and renowned expert on historic preservation and African American art. Hill graduated from Brewer High School (1953), and he continued his education, earning a (B.S.) from Eastern Michigan University (1964), (M.S.) from Howard University (1968), and (Ed. D) at the University of Florida (1974). He served in administrative and director roles in Howard’s hospital system. He would become a Microbiology professor at Howard University, where he later retired. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Beta Kappa Chi.

Artwork is available from artists: Romare Bearden, Cornelius Marion Battey, Elizabeth Catlett, Eldzier Cortor, Daniel Freeman, Sam Gilliam, Palmer Hayden, Ethel P. Hood, May Howard Jackson, Lois Mailou Jones, Claude Lawrence, Jacob Lawrence, L. Leslie, Michael Platt, Addison Scurlock, Augusta Savage, James L. Wells, Charles White, and Hale Woodruff.

Dr. Hill was known for his weekly ritual of hunting for treasures. One of his valuable finds landed
him a starring role in an episode of his favorite television show, PBS’s Antique Road Show.

The Textures of Us: A Retrospective by Devin Allen October 25, 2024 – January 11, 2025

Moon in Scorpio

That Which Compels Me So… November 18, 2023 – January 13, 2024

About the Artist’s

Morel Doucet – Water Grieves in the Six Shades of Death May 20 – July 15, 2023

An Artful Journey: The Collection of Dr. James K. Hill (1935 – 2020) Opening Reception: January 21st, 2:00 to 6:00 PM Exhibition: January 21 – March 4, 2023

The Textures of Us: A Retrospective by Devin Allen
October 25, 2024 – January 11, 2025

That Which Compels Me So…
November 18, 2023 – January 13, 2024

Morel Doucet – Water Grieves in the Six Shades of Death
May 20 – July 15, 2023

An Artful Journey: The Collection of Dr. James K. Hill (1935 – 2020)
Opening Reception: January 21st, 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Exhibition: January 21 – March 4, 2023