In a world where art is regarded as secondary to life, creatives are a phenomenon. Matthew Rice a.k.a. “Mateo Blu” is indeed a game changer, within the art community and formerly the gridiron. The Baltimore native is a talented abstract painter, currently exhibiting at The Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center. His latest showcase […]Read Post ›
Today marks the historic event of “The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” On this day Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, in front of the Lincoln Memorial. A call for civil and economic rights for African Americans and racial harmony echoed throughout the country. In […]Read Post ›
Joshua Johnson, sometimes referred to as Johnston, is known as the first professional African American painter to rise to prominence in America. He was born a biracial slave c.1763 and raised in Baltimore, MD. His artistic genius as a self-taught portraitist gained him esteem among wealthy and middleclass white families, as well as abolitionists in […]Read Post ›
Pontella Mason is perhaps one of the most unsung visual artists from Baltimore.MD. He has created murals for the Anacostia Community Museum, (former) President Jimmy Carter, Kurt Schmoke and several public and private organizations. He was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and attended Baltimore City College High School. He graduated from the New York […]Read Post ›
Beginning in the colonial period, slavery in the United States has always been an unfortunate event in the history of African Americans. Prior to the Civil War Blacks created numerous examples of fine art. However, much of this artwork was destroyed. Proper preservation was uncommon during the era. Black art especially suffered, due to a […]Read Post ›
Tom Miller was arguably one of the most renowned contemporary artists from Baltimore, MD. He is known for creating a self-described style of “Afro-Deco” painted furniture pieces. He was a skilled painter, muralist and screen printer, creating artwork for the public, museums, corporate and private collectors. Through the use of iconic images, such as watermelons […]Read Post ›
As an African American artist I was always in search of heroes. Dominated by white male artists, inequality has always existed in the art world. The market is influenced by tastemakers who act as the gatekeepers of the industry. Their opinions have a profound impact on trends throughout art and can increase or decrease the […]Read Post ›
The Baltimore Renaissance 