Emergence: Stories in the Making is a group exhibition at Galerie Myrtis curated by Noel Bedolla and Ky Vassor, showcasing the work of a dozen international artists. The exhibition draws inspiration from the tradition of griots in the western Sahel of West Africa, who are known for sharing oral histories and local legends. Just as griots add contemporary details to their narratives to resonate with their audiences, the artists in Emergence use their work to reflect on and engage with the narratives that shape our society.
One artist featured in the exhibition is Alanis Forde, who explores themes of internal conflict by imagining paradise through her paintings. Forde often depicts figures wearing blue masks and bodies, using these vibrant disguises as a way to merge her own likeness with a fictive version of herself. Through her work, Forde challenges the traditional representations of Black women as objects of pleasure and servitude, creating an alternative narrative that empowers and redefines.
Another artist, Kachelle Knowles, works with mixed-media portraits that focus on Black teenagers and their rights to express gender fluidity. By incorporating patterned paper, thread, and acrylic gems into her work, Knowles brings attention to the diverse and nuanced experiences of Black youth, highlighting the importance of representation and visibility in art.
Kim Rice’s piece, “American Quilt,” is a large-scale tapestry that delves into the politics of the body without visualizing a figure. The tapestry is made up of maps distributed by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, a federal agency responsible for redlining neighborhoods deemed “hazardous.” By stitching these maps together with red thread, Rice exposes how whiteness is woven into everyday life and challenges viewers to confront the systemic inequalities embedded in our society.
If you’re in Baltimore, be sure to visit Emergence: Stories in the Making before it closes on July 12th. The exhibition offers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of narratives in shaping our collective experiences and societal progress.
