In our highly digitized worlds, photographs and archives are tools for us to remain rooted in our past as we move forward through the present. These photos were taken in Baltimore by I. Henry Phillips Sr. circa 1950. They gift us with familiar moments of Black holiday revelry and joy. Going through these images, I couldn’t help but conjure up in my mind symbols and scenes of holiday celebrations that I experienced growing up. 

The I. Henry Photo Project is a digital archive of images made by three generations of Webster men. This selection of images was curated from a virtual studio visit with the I. Henry Photo Project Archive, facilitated by I.H. Webster III, a visual artist and archivist. Webster started the archive with his father, the late I. Henry Phillips Jr., who was the Baltimore Sun’s first Black news photographer and the son of the late I. Henry Phillips Sr., a photographer at the Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper.   (Teri Henderson) 

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According to the exhibition statement written by curator Myrtis Bedolla, “The Beautiful and the Damned asserts beauty as imagined through the lens of three African American women artists who challenge the notion of the historic limiting and unattainable standards of what is desirable.” The Beautiful and the Damned features the work of Megan Lewis, Lavett Ballard, and Monika Ikegwu, three Black women artists who Galerie Myrtis represents. In this exhibition, the women explore desire and standards of beauty in their elegant, powerful, and sentimental depictions of Black men and women. 

Lavett Ballard’s nine artworks on display are collaged worlds full of Black pop culture references and archival imagery. Ballard traditionally creates her works on more unconventional surfaces, adding an element of texture to what the viewer might assume at first glance were more two-dimensional works on paper. Ballard creates mixed-media collaged artworks on hand-carved birchwood panels and wood fencing. 

In “Shine” (2022), Black women are depicted in a matrix of texture, shape, and form. A young woman of school age is wearing a uniform and waving. She directly faces the viewer; next to her, three Black women in historical clothing look in her direction. On the right side of the panel, a larger figure is depicted looking out of the frame, and she is both past and present, composed of two separate sets of imagery. Her face has a set of eyes collaged onto them; directly beneath her line of vision is a Black woman with an afro, blaxploitation style; she wears a pencil skirt and is holding a shotgun. All of the Black women that Ballard has implemented in “Shine” share the frame with circles of blue fabric, gold spheres, and orange and white leaves, beautifully illustrating a range of representations of Black women. 

Megan Lewis updates her traditional large-scale portraits of Black figures with an added layer of texture achieved through the application of oil, acrylic paint, and layers of fabric. Like in Ballard’s work, another layer of depth is experienced when you step directly in front of the work, vibrant punches of hot pink, verdant greens, lemon and buttercream yellows, and purples. Lewis’ massive paintings of men are infused with a level of tenderness.

In “They Make A Million Songs About It” (2022), a male figure is central. He is shirtless and wearing blue shorts. His fingernails are painted a daisy yellow, one hand rests on his chest, and his brown skin is flecked with various flicks and specks of paint. The most beautiful moment of the work is his lips, which are painted in shades of red and pink, nearly indistinguishable at moments from the sharpness of the matte fuchsia background. At the bottom of the painting, Lewis has surrounded his torso with large painted flowers. Here, Lewis’s application of paint feels like the technique she achieves in “The Only Place It Exists Is In Your Head,” where actual fabric is stretched onto the canvas. Both applications of material wash her subjects in the same romantic and dream-like quality. Both male figures look at you and into you, their gazes sublime and searching. In this work, the central figure, another Black male with brown eyes, gazes at the viewer against a background of blue and white. His shirt is constructed of fabric that Lewis has arranged; stripes, roses, and other floral fabrics compose his garment. His skin is also glittered with Lewis’ intentionally haphazard brush strokes in variegated colors. 

Monica Ikegwu offers six large paintings of women painted in oil and on canvas. Including a self-portrait diptych, “Closed” (2021) and “Open” (2021). In both paintings, the artist is displayed in crimson, wearing a jacket and maintained against the red background. In “Closed,” Ikegwu’s jacket is closed; she looks at the viewer regally, the folds of her jacket painted with intense depth and shadows. In “Open,” the artist’s jacket is unzipped, resting around her arms; she wears a red tank top, and her crimson fingernails match the background of the painting. The figure’s gaze is resolute and relaxed.

While Ballard and Lewis wield mixed media and paint with an array of materials, Ikegwu’s technique strictly utilizes oil on canvas, creating artworks that feature Black women. Ikegwu applies paint masterfully in a way that renders her figures hyper-realistic. All three women have created remarkable artworks that represent Black people in the full embodiment of range, depth, and inherent beauty. 

The Beautiful and the Damned is on view at Galerie Myrtis, a Black-owned gallery that specializes in fine art advisory and Black contemporary art, through November 5. 

The post Baltimore’s Galerie Myrtis’ Beautiful and the Damned appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Everybody Eats: A weekly showcase featuring local chefs, artists, and vendors. Everybody Eats is a night to highlight and support all the greatness that is within our community with a unique curated outdoor artistic experience. 6 p.m to 10 p.m. at Dovecote Cafe, 2501 Madison Avenue.  For more information, go to: dovecotecafe.com or call 443-961-8677. 

808 Vol. 37:  Volume 37 of the legendary live music series 808s and Sadbois, curated by Bmore Alien and hosted by OG Swooz. Sounds by Tiara LaNiece and Dreams Find You, and featuring performances by Kotic Couture, J3rry Homes, L.E.A.N, Beth Banger, NVSV, Finago Baby, and featured vendor Heyakilogram. ($5 – $10) 9 p.m. at The Crown, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, call: 410-625-4848.

Baltimore Beat Karaoke Fundraiser: Come out and sing, enjoy drink specials, and support your favorite Black-run, Black-led, nonprofit news platform. All proceeds go directly toward Baltimore Beat. ($15) 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Motor House, 120 West North Avenue. For more information, go to: baltimorebeat.com or email teri@baltimorebeat.com.

Music Under the Dome: Get Funky: Experience the best of ’70s funk like never before—under a 360-degree dome of psychedelic graphics and stunning galaxies. Sit back, relax, and blast off to the sounds of your favorite tracks by James Brown, Kool & The Gang, Stevie Wonder, and more. Get here early before the show to hang out at our cocktail hour, complete with adult beverages and special activities in our space exhibits. All proceeds benefit the educational programs at the Maryland Science Center. (Ages 21 and up, $35) 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street. For more information, go to: mdsci.org or call: 410-685-2370.

Highlandtown Art First Friday Art Walk: A free event that features a self-guided art walk and food and drink specials at local restaurants. 5 p.m to 9 p.m., various locations. For more information, go to:ihearthighlandtown.com/2022/08/30/first-friday-art-walks-2022, call: 410-342-3234 ext 26, or email amanda@southeastcdc.org. 

Mousey Thompson & The James Brown Experience: An all-star ensemble that performs popular songs of one of the greatest music legends of our time, James Brown. Come enjoy some of James Brown’s hits, such as “This Is A Man’s World,” “Please, Please, Please,” “Cold Sweat,” and many others. ($30 – $35) 7 p.m. at Keystone Korner Baltimore, 1350 Lancaster Street. For more information, go to: keystonekornerbaltimore.com or call: 410-946-6726.

Sat, October 8

Morgan State Homecoming Parade: Help celebrate Morgan State University’s homecoming. The parade begins at The Alameda and Chinquapin Parkway. Be sure to check for lots of other homecoming events too, including tent city and the big game, where the Morgan Bears take on Norfolk State University. 8:00 a.m. For more information, go to: events.morgan.edu, email msustudentcenter@morgan.edu, or call: 443-885-3120.

Billie Holiday Music and Arts Festival: Join the Upton Community and Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street for a day of music, art, and local vendors. This event will feature performances from Lafayette Gilchrist, Tamm E Hunt, Faycez You Know Ft. Sugar Bear, Kevin Howard, The Brencore Allstar Band, John Wesley, and more. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue. For more information, go to: billieholidayfestival.com or email info@pa-mainstreet.com.

Chocolate Covered Rocky Horror: Dive into a wild night featuring live performances, innovative choreography, and crowd participation that takes the Rocky Horror shadow cast experience to a whole different dimension. ($35) 8 p.m. at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information, go to: creativealliance.org, email info@creativealliance.org, or call: 410-276-1651.

World Oddities Expo: A monumental oddities extravaganza to kick off the Halloween season. Find unique treasures, take in live entertainment, participate in live entertainment, and more. ($20 – 25) 12 p.m to 8 p.m at Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt Street. For more information, go to: woetothee.com or email info@woetothee.com.

20th Annual Pigtown Festival: In addition to good food, live music, and a KidZone for the little ones, this event features a running of the “Squeakness” pig races. 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 763 Washington Boulevard. For more information, go to: pigtownmainstreet.org/events/pigtownfestival, email director@historicpigtown.org, or call: 443-908-7038.

“Scattered Choices”: This musical comedy gospel play was written by LaTonya Bell-Jones and directed by Howard G. to demonstrate the good and bad choices we make every day that affect our lives and the lives of others. ($30) 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Randallstown Community Center, 3505 Resource Drive, Randallstown, Md. 21133. For more information,  email randallstowncc-rp@baltimorecountymd.gov, or call: 410-887-0698.

“Becoming Frederick Douglass” Screening and Discussion: “Becoming Frederick Douglass” is the story of how a man born into slavery became one of the most prominent statesmen and influential voices for democracy in American history. Watch the film and then take part in a discussion with cast members. (Free with museum admission) 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street. For more information, go to: lewismuseum.org/event/becoming-frederick-douglass-screening-discussion, email info.services@lewismuseum.org, or call: 443-263-1800.

Open Works 6th Anniversary Celebration and Maker Market: This Maker-bration will feature vendors, music, food, and activities for all ages. 10 a.m to 4 p.m. at Open Works, 1400 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, email frontdesk@openworksbmore.com or call: 410-862-0424.

Disco Tropico 2: A steamy night of disco, cumbia, Italo, funk, house, Tropicalia, and much, much more from resident DJs James Nasty, Sweet Spot, and Emily Rabbit. There will also be a fresh tiki-inspired cocktail menu created by Patrick Martin as well as a selection of fine vintage tropical wear will be available for purchase from Recovered Attire. Tropical attire Is encouraged. (Ages 21 and up, $5) 9 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: themetrogallery.net or call: 443-425-5139. 

Sunday, October 9

Asake Live in Baltimore: Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter Asake will be performing all his hits—and will bring out a celebrity for a special performance. Hosted by 93.9 WKYS radio personality and host of #TheBreakdown, Raro Lae. ($50+) 7 p.m. at Patapsco Arena, 3301 Annapolis Road. For more information, go to: asakeliveinbaltimore.com, email asakeliveinbaltimore@gmail.com, or call: 301-379-0113. 

Henny & Waffles: Come for brunch, stay to party, and enjoy discounted Hennessy drinks all day. There will also be music from special guest DJs and The Bearded Drummer. ($20 – $100; Limited free tickets for party only) 1 p.m. to 8 p.m at Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place. For more information, go to: hennyandwaffles.com or call 202-930-7773.

Vintemporary at Good Neighbor: Shop vintage, high-end archives, toys, furniture, and more. Featuring vendors Egtaniv, Get Dizzy Store, Last Call Vintage, A Day N June, The Rich Pearl, and Drifters MD. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Good Neighbor, 3827 Falls Road. For more information, go to: goodneighborshop.com or call 443- 627-8919. 

Tuesday, October 11

Hamilton at the Hippodrome: The Broadway sensation premieres in Baltimore. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton takes the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and creates a revolutionary moment in theater. This show runs from Oct. 11 through Oct. 30. ($63+) 8 p.m. at the Hippodrome Theatre, 12 North Eutaw Street. For more information, go to: france-merrickpac.com or call: 410-837-7400.

BALR.LIFE presents “Rhythm and Dance”: This concert features pop singer Rovo Monty and alternative R&B musician Brandon Kanion with DJ Kotic Couture. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to SOUL, Students Open To Unique Love, Morgan State University’s LGBTQ Student Organization. ($20) 8 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

Thursday, October 13

Joshua Johnson Council Talks: Schroeder Cherry: Joshua Johnson Council members share a passion for African American and African art. Join the group’s October meeting virtually with artist Schroeder Cherry. 6:30 pm to 7:30 p.m. Virtual. For more information, go to: artbma.org/event/jjc-talks-schroeder-cherry or call: (443) 573-1700.

Oletha DeVane: Spectrum of Light and Spirit Colloquium Panel on Resilience: This panel will explore resilience from a variety of different perspectives and take place in the context of the exhibition Oletha DeVane: Spectrum of Light and Spirit, currently on display. An open gallery and reception will follow the discussion. 4 p.m to 5:30 p.m. at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture, 1000 Hilltop Circle. For more information, go to: umbc.edu/event/oletha-devane-spectrum-of-light-and-spirit or call: 410-455-ARTS.

Behind the Diagnosis, Through My Eyes Exhibition at the Peale Museum: This pop-up art exhibition will be centered on educating, celebrating and illustrating the stories of several African American women within Baltimore and surrounding areas who have been personally affected by breast cancer. This exhibition runs from Oct. 13 to Oct. 15. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Peale Museum, 225 Holliday Street. For more information, go to: thepealecenter.org, email info@thepealecenter.org, or call: 667-222-1814.

Friday, October 14

Naeem, with MATEYO, BLKVAPOR and DJ Daniel Biltmore: Following his critically acclaimed debut album “Startisha,” Naeem (fka Spank Rock) returns with “How Can We Lose When We’re So Sincere,” a collection of cover songs paying homage to the revolutionary musicians of Minneapolis. With album artwork by artist Alex Da Corte, this album of historic and completely reimagined recordings is destined to become a true collector’s item. The full album will never be released on digital streaming platforms, and will only be available for purchase in physical format. (All ages, $15) 9 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: themetrogallery.net or call: 443-425-5139.

Saturday, October 15

Fela Kuti Birthday Celebration: The Kalakuta Speakeasy arrives in Baltimore to celebrate Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s birthday. This event will feature vintage Afro-beat music, art, and fashion. Gallery Umri Siki, a neighborhood anchor of Hollins Market, is the featured African Art curator for the evening. Vintage Fela Kuti vinyl music courtesy of DJ Natty KooL. $10 raffle tickets will be available to win a Fela Kuti Vinyl Boxset. (Free – $20) 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mulberry’s At Hollins Market, 26 South Arlington Avenue. For more information, call: 667-205-1597. 

Art Law Clinic: Are you an artist who needs legal support? Make an appointment for a 30-minute consultation with a volunteer attorney to sort out any general issues or questions that you might have. ($5) 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual. For more information, go to: mdvla.org or email info@mdvla.org. 

Tuesday, October 18

“The Lion in Winter”: Set during Christmas 1183, this play tells the wickedly amusing tale of King Henry II, his imprisoned queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their three entitled, double-dealing sons who vie for the throne. Oct. 18 to Nov. 13 at Everyman Theater, 315 West Fayette Street. For more information, go to everymantheatre.org or call 410-752-2208.

Wednesday, October 19

Writers LIVE! Devin Allen: Critically acclaimed photographer Devin Allen will discuss his recent photographs of Black Lives Matter protests and explore the connection between today’s activism and that of the past. Allen will be joined in conversation by bestselling author D. Watkins. 7 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Central Library, Wheeler Auditorium, 400 Cathedral Street. In-person and virtual. For more information, go to: prattlibrary.org, or call: 410-396-5430.

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