The BmoreArt Journal of Art + Ideas: Issue 3 Legacy by Cara Ober
Now that we are living in a post-election world, one I didn’t predict even for a second, I am finding solace in the theme of our next issue: Legacy.
What is cultural legacy and who are the ground- and ceiling-breakers who made Baltimore rich in culture? How did they do it and what can we learn from them? How have they impacted the place we inhabit today and what do we owe them? Their message is clear: we will overcome adversity and we will continue to tell the stories that need to be heard. We will not be stopped. We will not give up.
Jamea Richmond-Edwards, photographed by Kelvin Bulluck
Looking at this new publication — I am surprised and also proud to see the subject of PROTEST again and again, surfacing through its pages. Without necessarily intending to, this issue features all sorts of artists whose work acts against racism, patriarchy, and inequality.
Who better than artists to challenge the status quo, the social norms, the violence that is a part of our everyday life in America? Who better than artists to break down barriers, create compelling systems of resistance, shine a light on systemic problems, and carry the struggle forward?
Revolutions happen slowly. We have so much to learn from established artists like John Waters and Joyce J. Scott, who talk openly about their past struggles and triumphs, especially considering the lasting impact of their art and the way they continue to be fed by it.
We also considered Baltimore’s architectural legacy–exploring controversial Confederate Civil War Monuments, historic mills, and the empowering trend of artists buying properties in the Bromo Arts District. We present patterns between the collective past and future, and make connections between generations of artists.
Current Space team photographed by Theresa Keil
Baltimore is a triumphant and a troubled city. We are all living proof of the historical decisions, bad and good, made by our ancestors. We are all a part of history. Placing ourselves squarely between past and future, artists are actively creating a new legacy through our work. Long after we are gone, the seeds of revolution will continue to grow. To me, this is a beautiful idea, one I want to fully inhabit.
Although recent events hurt my heart and burden my soul, I look forward to coming together at our launch party and celebrating something truly good happening right now: the artists who live and work here. It is they who hold the keys to the future and make this city a vital, thrilling place to live.
We celebrate Issue 3 at The Walters Art Museum on Thursday, November 17 from 6-8 and the museum will stay open until 9. We thank our sponsors and collaborators which include Union Craft Brewing, Pixilated photo booth, Dovecote Cafe, and BLK//Sugar micro bakery. Please remember your tickets go directly into funding our next magazine and that we cannot do this work without your support.
Baltimore deserves a well-made, serious magazine that promotes the excellence in the arts that we all know is here. Thank you for helping BmoreArt to continue to fulfill this sacred role–we couldn’t do it without you.
Click here for tickets to our Thursday, November 17 party: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bmoreart-magazine-launch-3-tickets-28405004132
Author Cara Ober is Founding Editor at BmoreArt.
Top image: John Waters at the BMA photographed by Christopher Llewellyn Reed.
