Galerie Myrtis invites guests to join us for “The Textures of Us” Writer’s Talk in collaboration with the Gordon Parks Foundation on Saturday, November 23rd from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Seating is limited for this free program. Registration is required to attend.

Moderated by Dr. Myrtis Bedolla, the Chief Curator and Founding Director of Galerie Myrtis, the program will feature a conversation with photographer Devin Allen and select contributors from his forthcoming book, “Devin Allen: Baltimore.” Joining them will be distinguished speakers, including scholar and award-winning author D. Watkins, as well as Michal Raz-Russo, the Programs Director of the Gordon Parks Foundation. The discussion will address their writings, the foundation’s history, and provide insights into featured images.

“The Textures of Us” is an early retrospective celebrating the release of Allen’s third book, “Devin Allen: Baltimore.” The exhibition delves into the artist’s impactful photojournalism in Baltimore, showcasing a wide range of scenes, from uprisings to moments of tranquility within the lives of Black citizens. The exhibit encompasses a diverse collection of works from the past decade of Allen’s career, featuring excerpts from his forthcoming book, previously unreleased images, video collages, and works from his mentees.

The exhibition is on view through January 11, 2025 at Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD. Gallery hours: Wednesday – Saturday from 2:00 – 6:00 pm by appointment. Hours are extended during special events. For additional information on this exhibition, please contact the gallery at (410) 235‐3711 or Ky Vassor, Gallery Manager, at [email protected]. For sales inquiries, please contact our Sales Manager, Noel Bedolla, at [email protected].

“This is what outsiders see. Sometimes they watch The Wire on HBO and want a closer look at the landscape, so they drive through West Baltimore in a rental. Sometimes they want to see the city that went viral after police officers chased and killed Freddie Gray, so they plan a field trip that allots time for a West Baltimore visit, a chance to vacation in the fire where Allen lives. Sometimes they discover Allen’s work via social media or in an exhibition, or they come across one of his photography books, and want to see if they can find beauty in the ghetto as well.

To see what Allen sees, you must exit—because the truth lives on the other side of the car. Step out and allow your feet to cross the soil that Allen traverses daily. Connect with the people he connects with. Touch and feel those boarded-up houses where generations of Black families were raised.” – D. Watkins, Contributing essayist