Imani reviews the new catalog from Rizzoli Electa, “I Too Sing America,” published in conjunction with the exhibit by the same name at the Columbus Museum of Art. Chock full of color images, archival materials and biographical insights, the coffee table book by writer and the show’s curator, Will Haygood, a Columbus native, is more than just a pretty face, she says.
Read MoreIn this Ask Artblog column, Dave Kyu discusses the age-old question of whether or not an artist should chase a “hot” trend to make some sales or get into some “hot” exhibition. In his nuanced argument, Dave cautions about the dangers, but says basically that artists should do their soul searching and jump in if the water “feels fine.” Do you have a burning question about the art life? Our mailbox is always open. All questioners’ names kept anonymous. Email ask@theartblog.org or click the link to the Google form at the bottom of this post.
Read MoreNews: Our Managing Editor, Imani Roach, is closing up her laptop and moving on from Artblog. We will miss her terribly! Please help us thank Imani and send her on her way to a new career adventure! If you’ve been interviewed by Imani, written about by Imani, on a panel with Imani, or edited by Imani, and wish to send her a little note, email her at hello@theartblog.org.
Read MoreBecky Suss’s new paintings on view at Fleisher/Ollman honor the legacy of mid-century craftsman Wharton Esherick, whose home studio is in Chester County. Suss chronicles the spaces Esherick designed and occupied as well as the furniture he is known for, translated through her own vision of the spaces, places and objects. Architect and Artblog contributor Mandy Palasik interprets the show and examines the resonance between these two artists and their bodies of work. “Becky Suss/Wharton Esherick” is open through January 26, so make your plans to visit now!
Read MoreSamuel Brown, a musician and writer, interviews the squad leader of the West Powelton Steppers and Drummers, who tells him that the drum team kept him alive and out of jail when he was young, and now he’s paying it forward, helping kids today focus on performing music and precision steps, rather than hanging on street corners and getting into trouble. Drum squads are a big part of Philadelphia’s recent history and culture, and Antoine Mapp tells you why they matter.
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