Here: Arts & Culture Along the K
Metro Art partnered with The Museum of African American Art to showcase Here: Arts & Culture Along the K. This is a multimedia art exhibition showcasing the Metro Art K Line program.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
(Los Angeles, CA) Metro Art partnered with The Museum of African American Art to showcase Here: Arts & Culture Along the K. This is a multimedia art exhibition showcasing the Metro Art K Line program.
An Opening Reception was held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, 4-6PM. The exhibit is on view through December 30, 2023, at the temporary site:
The Museum of African American Art
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Level 2, Suite 283
3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA. 90008
Museum Hours: Wed-Sun, 11:00-5PM
How time flies, it has been exactly one year to the day when the K Line was launched during a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony in Leimert Park, October 7, 2022.
BAE BAE (Photo: Ricky Richardson)
Metro Art, The Museum of African American Art Board Members Paula G. Leftwich and Miracle McClain-Bizira, and Keasha Dumas Heath, Executive Director/CEO, The Museum of African American Art welcomed a steady flow of art patrons and the artists whose artwork is on display as well as other artists (Kamau Daáood-Poet, artists Charles Bibbs and Kenneth Gatewood, from the creative community to the Opening Reception. DJ BAE BAE controlled the ones and twos with an eclectic soundtrack to enhance the vibes of the reception. Metro K Line Artists in attendance were Ingrid Calame, Rebeca Méndez, Jaime Scholnick, Shinique Smith, Carlson Hatton and Geoff McFetridge
Here: Arts & Culture Along the K honors what has been, what is present and what is possible. Each attendee received a copy of the companion publication. The publication was developed to celebrate arts & culture along the K Line through Metro Art commissions and collaborations shaped by over 150 arts and cultural organizations, artists, and creatives responding to distinct neighborhood with bold imagination.
The exhibition is a celebration of artists, cultural producers and cultural bearers connected by the K Line and marks the first anniversary of Metro’s K Line service through the neighborhoods of Crenshaw, West Adams, Jefferson Park, Baldwin Hills, Leimert Park, Hyde Park, Inglewood, Westchester and more.
Shinique Smith (Photo: Ricky Richardson)
The awesome artworks on view includes works by Alexis Hunley, Carslon Hatton, Dean Erdmann, Eileen Cowin, Erwin Redl, Geoff McFetridge, Giovanni Solis, Ingrid Calame, Jaime Scholnick, Jason Williams, Kenturah Davis, Kim Schoenstadt, Mora Lonner, Michael C. Hsiung, Mickalene Thomas, Mobolaji Olambiwonnu, Moses X. Ball, Motherland Music, Rebecca Méndez, Russell Hamilton, Sam Pace, Sherin Guirguis, Shinique Smith, and Wakana Kimura. Please visit https://metro.net/art to find out more information about art on the K Line.
The reception offered attendees an opportunity to view the artwork up close and hear from the artists about the inspiration for their artwork.
Shinique Smith, standing in front of her glass mosaic which was inspired by the area’s unique quality of light, as well as the natural and architectural hallmarks of MLK Jr Station. Shinique’s mosaic mural for MLK Jr. Station playfully visualizes the cultural richness of South Los Angeles by collaging elements pulled from fashion, pop culture and calligraphy. Honoring the station’s namesake, the artwork also includes a selection of empowering words inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches and autobiography. Mirrors within the mosaic bring movement to the piece and allow transit riders to see themselves reflected in the imagery. You can find out more details about Only Light, Only Love here; https://art.metro.net/artworks/only-light-only-love/
There was also Hyde Park Oasis by Carlson Hatton. Densely layered, rhythmic mural capture the soundtrack of Hyde Park and its surrounding area. The porcelain enamel steel art panels are infused with intricate patterns, vibrant color and cultural figures that pay tribute to the area’s rich musical legacy. A nod to lowrider car culture is also found among the wide skylines-populated with majestic palm trees, plantings from neighborhood gardens and notable buildings-which mimic the South Los Angeles horizon.
Motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and Metro passengers have viewed the artwork on a daily basis during their commute to work, school or while running errands around their respective neighborhoods. This allows everyone to experience new neighborhood landmarks showcasing culture and community.
It is my hope that you will be able to visit The Museum of African American Art in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in the future to view the exhibit.
Another option is to purchase a Metro Tap card so that you can explore the artwork at each station on the K Line at your leisure, a self-guided tour.
Finally, visit https://metro.net/art and stay connected on Facebook metro.art.la and Instagram metro.art.la. You can find out more information about Metro Art, be the first on your block to learn about future Metro Arts events. Most importantly, you can join other art patrons for Metro Arts tours.
Go to https://maaala.org to plan your visit. For more information about the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza visit https://www.baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com.
The Museum of African American Art (MAAA) in Los Angeles is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1976 by noted artist, art historian, author, and educator Dr. Samella Lewis. The museum educates visitors of all ages and identities about the arts through the lens of African American culture. In addition to preserving and sharing its permanent collection and archives, MAAA welcomes all visitors with free admission, serves as an important community gathering space, and creates educational experiences for students and lifelong learners.
The Museum of African American Art will exhibit in a temporary space inside Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza while the building at 4005 Crenshaw is being renovated. After the redevelopment period, which is expected to last approximately 18-24 months, MAAA will continue to occupy its renovated and preserved landmark location on the third floor at 4005 Crenshaw Boulevard.
During these times of rapid transformation and increased displacement in our neighborhoods, MAAA remains committed to sustaining and evolving it museum space so that visitors of all generations and backgrounds can continue to experience the arts through local artists in our community. I’m glad that I’m able to share some encouraging and hopeful news with you.
