{Personal Post} Photography and The Black Arts Movement 1955- 1985' Exhibit #BlackHistoryMonth

Washington D.C's National Gallery of Art housed the 'Photography and The Black Arts Movement 1955- 1985' exhibition; celebrating the cultural history, identity, and beauty of Black Art.  My visit was crowded, but comfortable, amongst our people of all ages from toddlers to elders.  There was an undeniable thickness in the air of pride.  I was able to snap some realllly cool shots, which came satisfyingly easy because it was culture oozing at every turn.  We showed up and showed out.  
A celebration of US.

Come on in...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: 'Room Service' Holiday Edition Pop-Up

Can I get an encore?  The 'Room Service' pop-up is back with a twist.  The rooms previously designed in the former Motel 6 were transformed yet again in different ways to celebrate the holiday season.   

This installment was just as fire *whispers... I may have enjoyed this one a little more.

Take a look...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Umbrella Art Fair 2025

Umbrella is back again with another neoteric art fair, welcoming and celebrating all who love the culture.  The fair showcased over 50 artists from the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, serving a space for their works and inspirations to come to life.  I always enjoy these.  You may recognize a few pieces from previous posts.  Walk with me...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Motel 6 Revamped during Design Week for 'Room Service' Pop-Up

Design week in DC.  A closed down former Motel 6 was transformed into a pop-up design showcase.  Each room was reimagined to a distinct style from several artists and creatives around.   Immersive and unique, shall we?  'Room Service'...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Umbrella Photo Fair 2025

Andddd we're back.  Umbrella has returned with a photo fair showcasing over 20+ of DMV photographers.  A rainy Saturday connecting art lovers and collectors.  Follow me...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Women Artists of the DMV" Art Exhibition Opening Reception

Over 300 women artists, both established and emerging talents, were represented in nine separate art spaces.  Celebrating at the Joan Hisaoka Arts Gallery, take a look inside the "Women Artists of the DMV" opening reception...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: 'Culture Meets Luxury' Art Exhibit

And we're back again.  Jerome Hood held his 3rd annual art showcase, "Culture Meets Luxury"... presented by the Hood Collection.  It was housed at the same location as the previous showcase, 'Buy Art Not Drugs', which inexplicably is perfect for the celebration of the art, music, and vibes they bring.  I really enjoyed these pieces and recognized some of the artists.  They spoke volumes to say the least.

Step inside...

Is This Thing On?...

I went back to Europe for 2 weeks in June/July as a treat to myself for accomplishing something major.  Plus, I really was in dire need of a vacation.

I packed my laptop with plans to publish draft blog posts and new ones during my down time on the trip.  What I found was that... I was completely exhausted from screentime and just wanted to enjoy the various cities/countries I visited.  Not being confined or pressured to a schedule, but rather just doing whatever the hell I wanted to do.

Once I landed back to my home turf, I unpacked my laptop to use it to look something up.  What I then found was... it wouldn't turn on.  I left it plugged up for an entire day thinking maybe it just needed a good charge.  To no avail.  

That was the beginning of July.

In case you were pondering the reason for the pause in posts.  I am happy to say today...

I want you to put the word out there that we back up.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "One Last Job: Art Enables Assembles" Opening Reception

Art Enables is a Washington D.C. based studio gallery specifically committed to amplifying the creative careers for artists with disabilities.  In "One Last Job: Art Enables Assembles", the group exhibition themes a motley crew of misfits–each a highly skilled expert called out of near-retirement–teaming up to complete a high stakes operation.  I'm in.  Let's take a look inside...

 

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Dreams of You - The Genius of Marvin Gaye" Opening Art Reception | Baltimore, MD

A little over a week after Marvin's birthday, The Black Genius Art Show held the opening reception for their latest exhibit "Dreams of You: The Genius of Marvin Gaye".  The event featured pieces from over 20 creatives embracing the legacy impact and passion of the late great legend.  Artist talk, food, wine, and a live band.  Come get to this.

Take a peek inside...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Primordial Spirit: Transcendence of Duality" by. Blake Pierre Opening Reception

As the soul undergoes transformation, it experiences illumination, embodying the path to wholeness.

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana...raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, Artist Blake Pierre debuted "Primordial Spirit: Transcendence of Duality" via open reception.  His new exhibition reflects on the cynical nature of growth and transcendence of spiritual duality, representing the divine light that emerges from this union within, guiding the soul beyond physical limitation toward spiritual fulfillment.  Visitors are invited to take in a deeper understanding of transformation and divine purpose expressed through art.  An intimate gathering with details details details.  

Check it out below.  

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Black Cowboy: American Muscle" by. Brandon Hill Opening Reception

Washington D.C. based artist, Brandon Hill, held an opening ceremony to debut his new exhibition "Black Cowboy: American Muscle".  It examines the significance of Black Cowboys in the American West, shedding light on the often neglected contribution.  Visitors can expect an immersive exploration through paintings, sculptures, and video.  From the art to the ongoing DJ set to the themed outfits, this ceremony was a prime vibe.  Check it out through my lens:

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: National Museum of Women in the Arts #InternationalWomensDay

International Women's Day called for a trip to the National Museum of Women in the Arts.  The unofficial holiday commemorates women's fight for equality, rights, and liberation.  This particular museum is the first in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. Our journey began with a piece by Yael Bartana/What If Women Ruled The World.

Fitting, right?

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Yaddiya "HOYA$" Georgetown Pop-Up

Washington D.C's own, Justin "Yaddiya" Johnson, hosted a pop-up shop and record release party for his new album, HOYA$.  The celebration was held at Yaddiya's 1223 Potomac Gallery art space in the busy streets of Georgetown.   Serenaded with sounds from his new album on loop and classic Georgetown basketball games projected on tv screens, the event featured art from "Hoya Paranoia: Black America's Team" with pieces by Jermaine "jET" Carter, Corey Ramon Gibson, and Krown Aim.

Here's a walk through my lens... 

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy" Exhibition | New York, NY

Part Two of {Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Ice Cold : An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry" | New York, NY

...later that cool January day, after a little shopping x eating x roaming, I headed over to the Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy exhibit.  A vibrant colorful funhouse of carnival attractions stemming from the 1987 Luna Luna amusement park in Hamburg, Germany.  Featured artists included Jean-Michel Basquiat, Arik Brauer, Salvador Dalí, Sonia Delaunay, Monika GilSing, Keith Haring, André Heller, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and Kenny Scharf.  In addition, there were live costumed dancers, interactives, and an overlook 'Butterfly Bar'.  I was very specific with the photos I snapped here.  The magic always lies in the details.

Walk through the story...