In a vibrant celebration of local talent, an art initiative has introduced 10 new contemporary works by artists from the Baltimore area. This effort, spearheaded by Johns Hopkins University, aims to showcase and support the creative prowess of local artists who are making waves on both national and international stages. The initiative, launched in 2023, is part of the university's broader strategy to foster community engagement and provide economic opportunities for local artists, aligning with its Ten for One strategic vision.
Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels expressed enthusiasm about the new acquisitions, stating, "Contemporary art invites us to see the world around us in new and refreshing ways. We can't wait to see these new pieces on display across our campuses, where they will bring people together and inspire conversations for decades to come."
The first round of acquisitions included nine works from Baltimore-based artists such as SHAN Wallace, Ernest Shaw Jr., and LaToya Hobbs. These selections were made by the Johns Hopkins Art Collecting Committee, which comprises students, alumni, faculty, and staff, in collaboration with BmoreArt's Connect + Collect. The committee engaged directly with artists, visiting their studios to gain a deeper understanding of their work.
Before the newly acquired artworks are installed across the university, they are being showcased in Washington, D.C., at the Irene and Richard Frary Gallery within the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center. The exhibition, titled "Strong, Bright, Useful, and True: Recent Acquisitions and Contemporary Art from Baltimore," runs until August 16, 2025. This exhibition not only features pieces from Johns Hopkins' collection but also includes works from the Baltimore Museum of Art, highlighting artists like Joyce Scott and Derrick Adams.
Brandon Donahue-Shipp
Brandon Donahue-Shipp's work, Basketball Bloom (Spectrum), exemplifies his ability to transform everyday objects into meaningful art. Originating from a community event in West Baltimore, this piece uses basketballs and other found materials to explore the intersection of sports and art, encouraging viewers to reflect on the cultural significance of sports in Baltimore.
Bria Sterling-Wilson
Bria Sterling-Wilson, a photographer and collage artist, uses her work to craft narratives about Black life and culture. Her piece, What Do You Have to Lose?, combines various materials to depict a poignant scene that invites viewers to ponder the complexities of identity and the American experience.
Se Jong Cho
Se Jong Cho, who began painting during her doctoral studies, creates surreal "livingscapes" that blend familiar elements with imaginative scenes. Her works, Uranus Pool and Mercury Lounge, challenge viewers to embrace wonder and imagination, drawing inspiration from philosophical texts.
Erin Fostel
Erin Fostel's charcoal drawings capture the beauty in everyday scenes. Her piece, Untitled Window Series 20, highlights the interplay of light and shadow, transforming a simple houseplant into a work of art that merges interior and exterior worlds.
Jerrell Gibbs
Jerrell Gibbs' figurative paintings explore themes of Black life and masculinity. In Can't Let 'Em See Me Cry, Gibbs uses visible brushstrokes and textures to convey emotion and challenge societal norms surrounding vulnerability.
Phaan Howng
Phaan Howng's paintings envision a post-human world, using dense plant imagery to explore themes of ecological stewardship and the impact of human activity on nature. Her work draws inspiration from Victorian botanical gothic literature, blending dark humor with environmental commentary.
Kei Ito
Kei Ito's Zen for a Dying Planet #2 reflects on the devastation of nuclear warfare. Using organic materials and photographic techniques, Ito creates haunting images that blur the lines between destruction and regeneration, urging contemplation of nuclear impacts.
Edgar Reyes
Edgar Reyes' art delves into identity, memory, and migration. His piece, Procession, uses a blend of photography and digital patterns to explore cultural heritage and the fragmented nature of memory, drawing on personal and national histories.
René Treviño
René Treviño's Walls of the Yucatan series examines historical narratives and the politics of borders. Inspired by Mayan ruins, his work uses vibrant colors and meticulous detail to challenge viewers to reconsider untold histories and the implications of constructed barriers.