Derrick Adams: LOOKS

Posted on by Ali Jamal

School was out, so Kali and I went back to the Cleveland Museum of Art for another Diasporan display. My artiste of a teenager and I were able to check out LOOKS, the wig inspired/politically driven paintings of Derrick Adams. https://videopress.com/v/82as47Kg?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&autoPlay=true&loop=true&muted=true&persistVolume=false&playsinline=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true I love the scale of these paintings - they're quite massive. Bottom line, Derrick … Continue reading Derrick Adams: LOOKS

The Immersive Van Gogh Experience

Posted on by Ali Jamal

This was dope! Van Gogh, crazy as hell - or was he? I can relate, kind of.. Anyway, the Immersive Van Gogh was a fantastic experience. One of a kind. I have to respect all the work a project like this takes! Masterful projectors and painting and curating and graphic design - they completely transformed … Continue reading The Immersive Van Gogh Experience

Buckeye Neighborhood Mural Unveiling

Posted on by Ali Jamal

On this special day, the East 128th Street Block Club unveiled a historic mural that was two years in the making, It was NOT an easy process and in fact the challenges often felt insurmountable. But finally, FINALLY, the finished product was completed, installed, unveiled and celebrated. Early morning preparation.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN6Am8vvwpA&t=1s

Still Optimistic

Posted on by Ali Jamal

During the summer of 1991, I was facing some really tough times. The parents were separated, puberty was in full swing, and our central air conditioning had died. Trust me, summers in Memphis-10 are hot! I was in summer school to repeat English because I had missed my finals when big sis had a life … Continue reading Still Optimistic

“Proof” Photo Exhibit

Posted on by Ali Jamal

Another really cool and free exhibit at the CMA. A fine demonstration of photo journalism documented by way of the contact sheet - (that sheet of camera film with multiple photos of the same image of which you pick out the best ones). With digital cameras we have a new type of "contact sheet". We … Continue reading “Proof” Photo Exhibit

Fall and Winter Stage Shots

Posted on by Ali Jamal

It's hard to keep up when things get busy. I'm practically a one man show (a ridiculous introvert) and can't take photos like I should! BUT, I have my crew, who has my back, and speaking of which - My Brotha Junior aka Wulfgar aka J After Dark is always cranking out the dopest photos! … Continue reading Fall and Winter Stage Shots

Anisfield Wolf Book Awards – 2019

Posted on by Ali Jamal

As usual, one of my favorite events of the year came right on time. Filled with a crowd of librarians, storytellers, cultural enthusiasts, activists and artists, the Anisfield-Wolf Awards did not disappoint. I didn't get the best photos this year, but the event itself was phenomenal. The overarching spirit throughout was surrounding ancestor Toni Morrison. … Continue reading Anisfield Wolf Book Awards – 2019

Firefish 2019

Posted on by Ali Jamal

After hitting Lake Erie on the kayak, we took a nice chill trip to Lorain, OH for FIREFISH 2019! It's an eclectic, artistic wild and weird journey. Brother Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band were the headlining band. Definitely worth the hour drive. I heard that next year it's supposed to be on my BEarthday … Continue reading Firefish 2019

Raul de Nieves at Transformer Station

Posted on by Ali Jamal

I stopped by the Transformer Station in the very cool Ohio City area on Cleveland's Near West Side for a quick peak at the Raul de Nieves exhibit. The number of figures were few (thus the quick peak), but getting a closer look at each figure, it's easy to understand why there weren't many. Each … Continue reading Raul de Nieves at Transformer Station

Verses: Knocking off the Nerves

Posted on by Ali Jamal

Whenever I feel the heavy burdens of life I reach out to a hip-hop verse that I know pretty well.  It gives me a familiar feeling and I feel powerful because I know the verse so well. Quick tip:  As I sat in the car waiting to interview for my current librarian position, I listened … Continue reading Verses: Knocking off the Nerves