Nestled within the pulsating heart of Baltimore, a city woven with stories and strumming with creativity, photographer Micah Wood and graphic designer Christopher Chester embark on a vibrant journey—a celebration of the musicians who breathe life into this ever-evolving landscape.
Their latest work, Scene Seen, weaves together 85 bands, over 200 portraits, and 300 pages into a tribute to Baltimore’s creative resilience, documenting the essence of the music scene from 2016 to 2024.
Micah’s lens has turned toward a captivating roster of artists, including A4lenia, Abdu Ali, Bartees Strange, JPEGMAFIA, and Snail Mail, each embodying unique narratives that reflect the spirit of the city.
“Photographs are perhaps the most important of all the products of the modern world,” writes Susan Sontag, and this sentiment resonates throughout Micah’s work. Each click of the shutter invites viewers to see Baltimore through his eyes—a place where culture and grit intertwine. Christopher, with his keen design sensibility, ensures that these images resonate, elevating the visual narrative without overshadowing the art within.
Scene Seen serves as an archive of Baltimore’s midtown neighborhoods, capturing the city’s creativity with stunning portraits and interviews full of color, depth, and motion. The spirit of Baltimore—a blend of authenticity and a DIY ethos—whispers in every frame.
Musicians like Ami Dang, whose ethereal sounds blend cultures, and Dan Deacon, known for his electrifying performances, reflect the city’s eclecticism. Each artist, whether it’s the distinctive voice of Glorian or the introspective melodies of Snail Mail, finds their story bound within these pages, revealing a community of creators thriving amid life’s challenges.
As John Berger articulates in Ways of Seeing, the goal is to “see more, not less.” This ethos permeates their work, allowing the viewer to experience not just the musicians but also the vibrant tapestry of Baltimore itself—a city that’s often misunderstood but brimming with creativity.
In this collaborative dance, Micah and Christopher create a space where art merges with education, illuminating the richness of this city. This book is not just a collection; it’s a symphony of resilience, drawing readers into the world of Baltimore’s artists—a world that needs to be seen, felt, and celebrated. Through their lens, the beauty of Baltimore and its music scene unfolds, offering an invitation to discover the hidden gems that define this extraordinary city.