Myrtis Bedolla Archives - Galerie Myrtis

Fuze Art Fair 2025

admin — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:41:47 +0000

FUZE Caribbean Art Fair 2025

LOCATION: Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas
October 22 -26, 2025

Galerie Myrtis is pleased to participate in the FUZE Caribbean Art Fair at Booth A5. During the fair we are showcasing works by esteemed artists Morel Doucet, Fabiola Jean-Louis, and Ya La’ford.

The FUZE Caribbean Art Fair is an annual event held in conjunction with The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. FUZE is dedicated to supporting the regional art ecosystem while connecting artists with new audiences and international platforms. Hosted by Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, this year’s programming features master classes, culinary demonstrations, and live performances by internationally recognized artists, including the headliner, Lenny Kravitz.

Programming for FUZE includes a panel scheduled for Sunday, October 26th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. The discussion will offer insights on gallery representation and the relationship between artists and galleries. Moderated by Royann Dean, the conversation will feature Dr. Myrtis Bedolla, Amanda Coulson, and Blue Curry.

The fair will take place from October 22nd to 26th, running daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. Click here for ticket information.

artwork: Fabiola Jean-Louis, They’ll Say We Enjoyed It, 2017, Archival pigment print on hot press bright 320gsm, 33 x 26″

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made – Jerrell Gibbs

admin — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:12:08 +0000

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Solo Exhibition featuring Jerrell Gibbs
March 22 – May 3, 2025

Opening Reception
March 22, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 PM

view artwork

Galerie Myrtis is honored to present Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, a compelling new body of work by Jerrell Gibbs that challenges historically ingrained biases within the world of ballet. Through his evocative paintings, Gibbs interrogates the exclusionary ideals that have long shaped the art form, particularly the rigid standards of physicality that continue to limit access to dancers based on appearance rather than ability.

By centering Black ballet dancers in his compositions, Gibbs redefines the visual narrative of ballet, shifting the focus from Eurocentric ideals of form to the undeniable brilliance, technique, and resilience of these performers. He highlights the persistent body shaming and prejudice in the field, which continue in many institutions. Gibbs’ work finds kinship with the artistic legacy of Edgar Degas, whose groundbreaking sculpture Little Dancer Aged Fourteen once challenged 19th-century notions of beauty and class. Just as Degas disrupted the status quo of his time, Gibbs offers a new perspective—one that insists on inclusion and recognition for dancers who have been historically overlooked.

In Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Gibbs invites us to question ingrained aesthetic norms and imagine a ballet world where excellence is measured by artistry and technique rather than outdated, exclusionary ideals. Through this body of work, he fosters a necessary dialogue—one that reclaims space, celebrates Black dancers, and affirms that ballet belongs to all who dedicate themselves to its craft.

I’ve watched you dance your entire life. You’ve commanded the stage since you were just four years old and continue to do so today.

You’ve been honing your skills for fourteen years. Rehearsal after rehearsal, repetition after repetition, over and over again, day in and day out, school, practice, eat, rest, study, and more practice. This level of commitment has made your competence as a dancer unparalleled. I know this because I’ve had the privilege of witnessing you master a routine that was meant to take months to learn.

You’ve shed blood, sweat and tears throughout the journey. You’ve endured muscle spasms, back aches, sore legs, and feet, all for the love of the art form.

And despite all your dedication, I knew the day would come when you’d be judged on your image, not on your artistry. And to think, one skewed perspective could have unraveled the very fibers that make you, you! But fortunately, it didn’t.

Why? Because you’re a strong, intelligent, and beautiful young girl. I’ve watched you take a negative and turned it into a positive. That one experience only made you stronger, more determined, more confident, more focused. God gave you a gift, and no one can take that away from you.

I couldn’t be prouder to be your father. This show is my way of celebrating you. I know that you will go on and do great things in this world because you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Your number one fan.

Dad

Artist Statement:

For this exhibition, I examine the historically ingrained prejudgments within the field of ballet. Through this body of work, I challenge the disparities and the idealistic standards that continue to limit access to dancers globally based on physical appearance. I question the legitimacy of the so-called “ideal” ballet physique, countering it with painted images of Black ballet dancers that emphasize their skill, dedication, and artistry rather than their body type.

My argument is not that all ballet programs adhere to these outdated standards, but rather that a culture of body shaming and prejudice persists within the field. I seek to create discourse that promotes the idea of evaluating a dancer’s aptitude based on technique, talent, and expression—rather than exclusionary criteria that have been perpetuated throughout history.

I situate this series within the tradition of ballet painting, drawing parallels to the work of French artist Edgar Degas. When Degas debuted his now-iconic sculpture Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, it was met with tremendous hostility. Many considered the work a failure because it challenged conventional aesthetic ideals of the time. In Degas and the Little Dancer, author Douglas W. Druick notes that Little Dancer disrupted perceptions of class, beauty, and tradition.

I find common ground with Degas in offering a different way of seeing. My hope is to challenge assumptions and question decisions that automatically deem someone ill-suited or inadequate based on appearance. Through these paintings, I aim to celebrate Black ballet dancers and affirm that excellence in this art form is defined not by an imposed ideal, but by the mastery and passion of the dancer.

Programming

Artist Talk: Jerrell Gibbs in Conversation with Dr. Myrtis Bedolla
April 5, 2025
2:00 – 6:00 pm

Join us for an engaging artist talk between painter Jerrell Gibbs and Dr. Myrtis Bedolla, Founding Director of Galerie Myrtis, as they discuss Gibbs’ latest body of work, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. This series critically examines the historical biases within the world of ballet, particularly the rigid and exclusionary beauty standards that have long dictated who is deemed fit to perform.

Through a dynamic conversation, Gibbs and Bedolla will explore the artist’s inspiration, his process of reimagining ballet through the lens of Black excellence, and the broader implications of his work in challenging aesthetic norms within the art world and beyond. Drawing connections to the legacy of Edgar Degas and the historical resistance to artistic and cultural change, Gibbs will share insights into how his paintings reclaim space for Black ballet dancers and redefine the narrative surrounding their place in the art form.

This discussion will also address themes of representation, body politics, and the role of art in fostering dialogue around inclusion and equity in creative spaces. Audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session, making this an evening of thought-provoking exchange and reflection. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from Jerrell Gibbs about his powerful new series and the stories that inspire his work.

Panel Discussion
Breaking Barriers: Ballet, Representation, and the Future of Black Youth in the Arts with Sharayna Christmas

May 3, 2025

2:00 – 6:00 pm

Registration is Required

Galerie Myrtis invites you to an inspiring conversation with artist Jerrell Gibbs, choreographer and youth mentor Sharayna Christmas, and curator Dr. Myrtis Bedolla as they explore the intersections of ballet, art, and Black representation. This discussion, held in conjunction with Gibbs’ exhibition Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, will examine the historical barriers within the world of ballet and the urgent need to create space for Black dancers and artists.

Gibbs will share insights into his latest body of work, which challenges the exclusionary ideals of ballet by celebrating Black dancers through his paintings. Christmas—an activist, multi-disciplinary dancer, filmmaker, and educator—will draw from her 25-year career in dance, including her early training at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and performances at the 1996 Olympic Games, to discuss the legacy of ballet’s racial and physical biases. As a cultural worker and founder of Muse 360, an intergenerational nonprofit that engages in the development of the next iterations of creativity through civic engagement, allied artistic training and black diasporic study abroad exchanges.

Moderated by Dr. Bedolla, the discussion will address how ballet—and the arts as a whole—can move toward greater inclusivity and equity. Together, Gibbs and Christmas will examine the power of visual art and dance to challenge systemic prejudices, reclaim narratives, and inspire change. This engaging conversation will conclude with an audience Q&A, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the panelists about the past, present, and future of Black excellence in the arts.

Ya LaFord and Myrtis Bedolla at the Dakar Biennale

admin — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:59:56 +0000

2024 Dakar Biennale
Musée des Civilisations Noires
Dakar, Senegal
November 7 – December 7, 2024

Dr. Myrtis Bedolla & Ya LaFord in attendance

From Musée des Civilisations Noires: Join us as we bring American art to local audiences through a series of engaging artist talks. These talks will cover the diverse and dynamic landscape of contemporary American art, offering insights into the works featured in the U.S. Biennale exhibit.

Participating artists will share the stories behind their creations, providing deeper context and understanding of their artistic process. Whether drawing from personal experiences, cultural heritage, or global influences, each artist brings a unique perspective to the conversation. By organizing these artist talks, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar aims to foster meaningful connections and promote cross-cultural dialogue. Join us as we celebrate the power of creativity to unite and inspire and foster mutual understanding and appreciation between Senegalese and American audiences.

Dr. Myrtis Bedolla
about Myrtis | selected writings | press | media | linkedin

Dr. Bedolla will join Dr. Diana Baird N’Diaye, Curator of The Work of the Wake at the Musée des Civilisations Noires, U.S. Biennale Pavilion, on Saturday, November 16th, to discuss “The Impact of Contemporary African Art on the American Market.” This program will explore the increasing presence of African art in American galleries, museums, and auction houses, examining its impact on cultural dialogue and market growth. Key topics will include the rise of African art fairs, increased visibility of artists like El Anatsui and Wangechi Mutu, and the growing interest from American collectors, along with the challenges African artists face in the global market and how technology helps bridge the gap between artists and collectors. Time details are to be announced. This session will offer insights on promoting African creativity and heritage on the world stage.

Ya LaFord
artwork | public artwork |statement | bio | resume

Additionally, Galerie Myrtis is honored to feature Ya La’ford in The Wake exhibition at the Musée des Civilisations Noires from November 7th to December 7th, inspired by Christina Sharpe’s book In the Wake: On Blackness and Being, which examines the lasting impact of slavery on the African diaspora. La’ford, the sole American painter among an international cohort, will present a site-specific multimedia piece with hand-dyed geometric patterns and intricate projections. La’ford will discuss her exploration of identity, heritage, and societal fragmentation during an artist talk on November 12th, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm (GMT) at MBC. Her recent interview with Essence Magazine further highlights her participation in the Dakar Biennale and artistic journey.

“As a first-generation American, public artist, painter, and social practice activist, I navigate identity, cultural heritage, and societal fragmentation through art that challenges norms and reflects global paradigms. Drawing from diverse cultures and experiences worldwide, ‘Navigating Intersections through ‘Water Frontier 14.4974° N 14.4524° W’ catalyzes reconstructing identity, empowering communities, and fostering civic engagement. Rooted in the African Diaspora, my work weaves together ethnography, symbolism, and the essence of water to create narratives that transcend borders and resonate with diasporic communities globally. Inspired by the rhythmic patterns of the ocean, I pay homage to interconnectedness and resilience, inviting viewers to reimagine past, present, and future. Through intricate designs and storytelling, I explore the profound connections between water, migration, and human resilience, inviting contemplation on humanity’s place within the fabric of existence.” – Ya La’ford

Wesley Clark – FUZE Caribbean Art Fair

admin — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 21:46:54 +0000

FUZE Caribbean Art Fair

Galerie Myrtis featuring Wesley Clark

LOCATION: Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas
October 23 -27, 2024

view the artwork

Galerie Myrtis will present new works from Wesley Clark, marking the conclusion of his residency with The Current: Baha Mar Gallery & Center. This annual fair supports the art ecosystem of the region by helping artists develop their work and connect with new audiences and platforms internationally.

Programming includes the “Commercial Galleries in Caribbean Context,” which features the founding director and chief curator of Galerie Myrtis, Dr. Myrtis Bedolla. The panel will occur on Friday, October 25th, at 11:00 am (EST). Additionally, Clark will participate in an artist talk on Saturday, October 26th, at 5:00 pm (EST). Both discussions will be moderated by Natalie Willis-Whylly.

FUZE Caribbean Art Fair is now offering complimentary admission to the public. Click here for more information on the fair.

Delita Martin Sometimes My Blues Change Colors

admin — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 16:05:26 +0000

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.

LFF

admin — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 02:35:53 +0000

SAAM Presents – Championing Black Art: A Conversation with Myrtis Bedolla

admin — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:32:41 +0000

Smithsonian American Art Museum
Championing Black Art: A Conversation with Myrtis Bedolla

Gallerist, curator, and art advisor Myrtis Bedolla brings her popular “Tea with Myrtis” event to SAAM in this rich panel discussion. The series is inspired by a deep appreciation for the transformative power of art and a desire to create a space where meaningful conversations about contemporary art can thrive. A passionate leader and champion of promoting and collecting African American art, Bedolla engages in a lively conversation with art collectors, scholars, and arts professionals. Participants include Mel Hardy, art collector and co-founder of DC-based organization Millennium Arts Salon; Leslie King-Hammond, art historian and founding director of the Center for Race and Culture at the Maryland Institute College of Art; Stephanie Stebich, the Margaret and Terry Stent Director of SAAM; and Lowery Stokes Sims, art historian. This program was presented in person and online at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on Saturday, February 25, 2024.

Tea with Myrtis – That Which Compels Me So

admin — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:13:30 +0000

Tea with Myrtis
January 13, 2024
2:00–4:00 pm

Register for the Tea | artwork preview

Galerie Myrtis is excited to announce the return of “Tea with Myrtis.” Join us for an intimate and enlightening conversation with renowned artists Jerrell Gibbs, Fabiola Jean-Louis, Ya La’Ford, and Megan Lewis. In this engaging discussion, the artists will delve into the captivating and imaginative influences that drive their practice. Discover the unique stories and inspirations behind their artistry as they share their personal journeys and creative processes. “Tea with Myrtis” is a series of art salons where we engage in lively conversations with artists, art collectors and the nation’s leading arts professionals to discuss trends in the contemporary art movement. Share delectable treats and enjoy a selection of delicious teas.

At the event, guests will have the opportunity to taste the new line of teas by artist Delita Martin called Dema Tea. Each canister will feature an image of a vibrant multimedia print and prose from Martin. The line will debut with two flavors: “Papapaya Paradise,” a peach-flavored green tea with ginger notes and undertones of papaya, and “Cinnamon Sunrise,” a black tea with notes of blood orange, cinnamon, and apple. The official launch of the line will take place at the end of January so guests who attend “Tea with Myrtis” will be among the first to taste it.

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

The Afro-Futurist Manifesto: Blackness Reimagined – PRESS

admin — Sat, 14 May 2022 17:09:30 +0000

PRESS

Personal Structures, July 2022
The Beauty and Confidence of Blackness

The Afro-Futurist Manifesto: Blackness Reimagined. With this installation, Galerie Myrtis seeks to provide insight into the socio-political concerns of the African-American community and celebrates black culture by paying tribute to the reliance, creativity, ingenuity, and spirituality that has historically sustained Black people, bringing it into a completely new set of Venetian landscapes. full article

Glasstire, June 2022
10 Works from the Venice Biennale that I Wish the Fort Worth Modern Would Acquire by Colette Copeland

[Tawny] Chatmon’s gold-leafed photographic portraits celebrate the beauty of black childhood. Inspired by 15th century Italian artists and artisans, as well as gold-inscribed historical relics, the artist juxtaposes the portraits onto historical landscape paintings as an act of affirmation. full article

New York Public Library, 2022
Tribute to an Afrofuturist Deity: Schomburg Center Artist & Educator M. Scott Johnson Exhibits at 59th Venice Biennale

…The stone chips were flying as M. Scott Johnson, a sculptor and visual arts instructor at the Center’s Junior Scholars Program, began work on the first sculpture of his triptych, The Metamorphosis of High John the Conqueror: Tribute to an Afrofuturist Deity. full article

Artlyst, April 2022
Eight Of The Best Collateral Events – 59th Venice Biennale by Lee Sharrock

Myrtis Bedolla, founding director of Galerie Myrtis in Baltimore MD, has curated a breathtaking group exhibition at the European Cultural Centre in Palazzo Bembo. Titled ‘The Afro-Futurist Manifesto: Blackness Reimagined’, the exhibition groups together 8 artists who are reclaiming the inequality of white art history from the point of view of a black narrative… full article

Pigmment Magazine, 2022
Venice says “BENVENUTO to Galerie Myrtis in 2022

[Galerie Myrtis] is the first Black-owned gallery to be invited to participate in the Biennale-affiliated “Personal Structures: Time Space and existence.” The gallery was invited to the prestigious show by the European Cultural Centre-Italy. full article

Black art in America, April 2022
Galerie Myrtis: Exhibiting Black Art at The Venice Biennale by Shantay Robinson

By invitation of the European Cultural Centre-Italy, Galerie Myrtis is the first black-owned gallery to be invited to participate in the Biennale-affiliated exhibition Personal Structures: Time, Space, and Existence. This historic moment is predated by the 2020 racial reckoning the world experienced. full article

Culture Type, August, 2021
Latest News in Black Art: Guggenheim Hires Diversity Chief, Galerie Myrtis Presenting Exhibition at Venice Biennale, Kehinde Wiley Redesigns MTV Moonperson & More by Victoria L. Valentine

Galerie Myrtis Fine Art & Advisory of Baltimore, Md., was invited to participate in Personal Structures, an affiliate exhibition at the 2022 Venice Biennale. The Black-owned gallery founded by Myrtis Bedolla will present “The Afro-Futurist Manifesto: Blackness Reimagined,” featuring eight artists—Tawny Chatmon, Larry Cook, Morel Doucet, Monica Ikegwu, M. Scott Johnson, Delita Martin, Arvie Smith, and Felandus Thames. full article

The Speculative Future of Blackness – Artist Talk – 2022 Venice Biennial

admin — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 18:00:23 +0000

Artist Talk: The Speculative Future of Blackness
Sunday, April 24, 2022

Palazzo Michiel
Strada Nova, 4391
30121 Campo Santi Apostoli
Venezia VE, Italy

Myrtis Bedolla, Curator of The Afro-Futurist Manifesto: Blackness Reimagined exhibition, moderates a discussion with artists Tawny Chatmon, M. Scott Johnson, Delita Martin, and Arvie Smith, whose works offer discourse into African Americans’ socio-political concerns and pays tribute to the resiliency, creativity, and spirituality that have historically sustained Black people.

Blackness and the possibilities of its future are the impulses that drive the imaginations of the artists who draw inspiration from Afrofuturism, Black existentialism, spirituality, and futurist thought to construct a Black universe of tomorrow.