This issue of ARTE NOIR has me in an elevated state of excitement y’all. I’m excited each month when we get to share news and happenings about Black art and artists out in the world making ish happen, but this month, I think I just needed this infusion of goodness more than at other times.
Everyone seems to be feeling a lot of doom and gloom lately. Is it just me, or has the state of affairs in the world, the constant onset of (un) natural disasters, and the disaster that is our American political landscape shaken us more off-kilter? I know the answer, which is why I’m feeling energized by the beauty and creativity that exists within the Black arts landscape. I’m digging it—and I’m not being selfish about it!
I can’t wait to get to see the film that the incredibly wonderful dancer Jeroboam Bozeman is starring in. I’ve had the pleasure of watching this young man grow as an artist and human and as he embarks upon this next journey in his life, I have no time to be anything but happy for him and saving my energy to cheer him on!
Now, music is truly my thing for a quick pick-me-up. The opening chords of Stevie Wonder’s AS, changes my attitude immediately. Sound baths do the same thing on an even deeper level. The tonality that emanates from Himalayan Singing Bowls, tuning forks, gongs, chimes, bells, and Mallet Harps, synch the spirit and soul, creating harmonies needed for our minds and bodies to function well. Jennifer Moore has got us at her space, Well of Sound.
Rapsody at The Crocodile by Eli Branch of EB4 Photography
Listen, there is a lot that’s got me feeling good right now, and we’ve tried to share all of it with you. Trade in your ghoulish attitude for a short trip to catch up with Juan Alonso-Rodríquez, who relocated from Seattle to St. Petersburg, Florida, and see what he is stirring up in his new home. Or just rest your mind with some beautiful images from photographer Eli Branch IV. How about taking a break from the other worries of the world and checking out the potential impacts of the repatriation of African artifacts back to Africa and outside of the reach of direct descendants of the enslaved? And if you are among the throngs of individuals touched by Dr. Maxine Mimms, take a moment to think about the ways that she showed up for you. Who are you gonna show up for?
I know it’s a trying time for everyone and what we have tried to do is bring a little bit of light into your world. My light brightened when I took a stroll through the current exhibit on view at ARTE NOIR, George Jennings’ The Women, The Paper, The Light. And with Beverly Aarons’ analysis of the exhibit, I was reminded once again, how art is the great interlocutor between visions, ideas, and reality. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have such great access to beautiful art.
If you need a respite, ARTE NOIR is here for you - on these pages, and in real life. Let your mind wander a little bit. It’s good for the soul. You deserve some goodness right now.
Be well my friends and take a moment to elevate your existence with some phenomenal Black art!
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