Around Chicago: Black Creativity Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry

Wednesday I attended a reception for the Black Creativity Juried Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry. The  goal is to inspire children to pursue careers in science, technology, medicine and engineering through programs and events that encourage children and their parents to use the Museum of Science and Industry as a resource for exploring their creative genius. The exhibit showcases 123 pieces from 112 African American artists ranging from paintings to photography and sculptures. Many of the featured artists are students ranging in age from 14 to 17. It was amazing to see so much young talent in one room. When asked about the process she goes through when creating, 16-year-old Aspen Terry said "I like to go off of raw emotion and simple things."

Aspen Terry with her painting "Hair Pull"

Black Creativity not only showcases artwork by the youth, but also highlights established artists such as Lobyn Hamilton who's pieces can be seen on the hit show "Empire."  The exhibit closes Feb. 19th, so if you're interested get there quickly! Below are a few of my favorite pieces.

 Harmonia Rosales "Awakening" (She took home first place!)

 Osei  Ageyman Badu "Afronauts"

 Gerald Griffin "Breakfast at Tiana's

 Kiana Davis with her piece "Only the Good II"

 Keith Conner "Seated Dancer"

Jeremiah Calvin with his painting "Crossing of the Rubicon"

Around Chicago: Hebru Brantley's "Eat Crap King"

Photo by Me

Chicago Native and fellow alum of Clark Atlanta University, Hebru Brantley has a new solo exhibit entitled "Eat Crap King" showing at Vertical Gallery. The exhibit depicts word famous artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat wearing boxing gloves.  On one side you have Warhol who is viewed as  the more traditional artist, and on the other side is Basquiat was considered to be more of a rebel. The images tell the story of  two friends navigating their way through life rather than two artists fighting for fame or popularity, though Basquiat takes Warhol down in a painting titled "Shook up the World."

Hebru Brantley "No More Public Battles, Just Private Wars"

Hebru Brantley "Bros Before Hoes (real friends)

"Eat Crap King" is showing at Vertical Gallery February 4-25, 2017.

Around Chicago: A Talk with Issa Rae

TV's favorite Awkward Black Girl, Issa Rae stopped by the University of Illinois at Chicago to speak about her career and discuss how the climate of black television is changing. Issa's climb to the top started when her YouTube web series ABG captured the hearts and attention of black women everywhere. Several years and a book deal later, Issa is the creator, writer, producer and actor on HBO's hit series Insecure. The show focuses on Issa navigating life while trying to manage her relationships and career. It also touches on racial and social matters that black people identify with.  "Audiences demand to see themselves on the screen," said Issa. "Other people get to tell our stories and we don't. TV is finally catching on." It is definitely refreshing to see images of black women with careers, goals and a social life--flaws and all. "We haven't gotten to see black people be black since the 90's without struggle," said Issa noting shows like Living Single and Martin which captured the quintessential friendships of people of color.

The Stanford University graduate is a self-proclaimed introvert and surprisingly admitted that most days she'd rather be at home watching television and drinking hot toddys. "I'm a huge procrastinator! I devote a whole day to procrastinate so by the end of the day I'm ready to work," said Issa.

I guess its OK to take a day off when you have as many jobs as she does, preparing for the second season of Insecure and the possible return of First, one of many web series written and produced by African Americans that air on Issa's YouTube channel. She said she wants to continue to make content that is FUBU (for us, by us) and says she is not surprised at how well her projects have been received. "We knew we were lit," she says of her fans owning their #blackgirlmagic and #blackboyjoy. Issa is an advocate for using her platform for change, and we couldn't be more proud. Brava, Issa. Brava!