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Podcast Projects

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode Two

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality
Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode Two w/ Reggie Perry Jr.

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ Reggie Perry Jr.

In Episode Two, we chat with Reggie Perry Jr., a multifaceted creator excelling in design, audio, and video production, motion graphics, and 3D animation. His expertise in typography, illustrations, and various media forms in the Home Depot learning department and as a freelance designer for clients like Greenwood Bank and Caregility, further demonstrates his skills in web content creation through e-commerce and lifestyle imagery. In Episode Two, we chat with Reggie Perry Jr., a multifaceted creator excelling in design, audio, and video production, motion graphics, and 3D animation. His expertise in typography, illustrations, and various media forms in the Home Depot learning department and as a freelance designer for clients like Greenwood Bank and Caregility, further demonstrates his skills in web content creation through e-commerce and lifestyle imagery.

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we’ll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms.

From gallery walls to global stages, we’ll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that’s not all. “Cultural Canvases” goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join

Categories
Podcast Projects

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces
Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ B. Robert Moore

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ B. Robert Moore

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we’ll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms.

From gallery walls to global stages, we’ll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that’s not all. “Cultural Canvases” goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

In Episode One, I sit down with Des Moines, Iowa based artist B. Robert Moore. Multidisciplinary self-taught artist started painting in 2018-19 to counter drug addiction and alcoholism. As a tool to counter mental health issues and life trauma, Moore paints figurative works amongst other contemporary works that all are inner connected through Moore’s identity and experience as a Black man in America.

Growing up in Iowa, a predominantly White-conservative state has inspired Moore to uplift narratives and images of people from his community and abroad who identify through similar life identity and experiences. Storytelling is the backbone of Moore’s work, as the composition of the visual only aides the hours of research and layered symbolism throughout each individual work.

Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join

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Projects

OPEN: PhotoBook

OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness by Badir McCleary
OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness by Badir McCleary
Photo by Badir McCleary

OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness (PhotoBook)

OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness
OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness

Embark on a visual odyssey that transcends boundaries and embraces the ethos of ‘OPEN’ in Badir McCleary’s latest photographic collection. This book is more than a series of images; it is an exploration of openness in its myriad forms, from the embrace of new cultures to the intimacy of personal spaces. McCleary’s lens captures the ephemeral yet profound moments of life, each frame a testament to the beauty and complexity of human experience. Through streets bustling with stories and landscapes whispering of freedom, this collection invites you to witness the world in its raw, unfiltered magnificence.

In these pages, you will journey through a tapestry of narratives that speak to the heart of what it means to be truly open. From the candid emotions etched on the faces in crowded urban settings to the serene expanses that beckon the soul to wander, each photograph is an invitation to engage, feel, and connect. As you delve into this collection, be prepared to embark on a journey that challenges your perceptions and enriches your understanding of openness. 

Whether it is through the dignified portrayal of life’s hardships or the intimate glimpses into the sanctuaries of creation, these images are a celebration of the human spirit’s boundless capacity for growth, connection, and change. ‘OPEN’ is more than a photographic project; it is a philosophy, a way of life that the author eloquently captures and shares with the world. Let this book be your guide to embracing the unknown, discovering the beauty in openness, and seeing the world through a lens of wonder and boundless possibility.

Available for Pre-Order December 4th!

Pre-Order Open: Photobook

Mark Savage, 2015, Alim Morris, 2023, Los Angeles, 2022. Photo by Badir McCleary.
Wall St. Apt, DTLA, 2022. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, 2018. Photo by Badir McCleary.
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Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Cliff Joseph

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Cliff Joseph

Fallen Through The Cracks – Cliff Joseph

Cliff Ricardo Joseph

#FallenThroughTheCracks – Clifford Ricardo Joseph was born on June 23, 1922, in Panama City, Panama. He was an influential figure in both the art world and the field of art therapy and was also a notable activist. Born to parents who immigrated to the United States and settled in Harlem, New York, Joseph’s early life was shaped by these dynamic surroundings. He served in a field artillery unit overseas during WWII. Post-war, he pursued his passion for art at Pratt Institute, New York, graduating with a degree in illustration in 1952. He later returned to Pratt as an art therapy instructor. He also enhanced his expertise by studying at the Turtle Bay School of Therapy.

His artistic endeavors often reflected his strong anti-war stance, as many works critiqued the Vietnam War and warfare in general. A pivotal moment in Joseph’s career was in 1968 when he, alongside Benny Andrews and others, established the Black Emergency Cultural Coalition (BECC). This coalition arose as a reaction to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Harlem on My Mind” exhibition, which notably excluded Black artists. Joseph emphasized the importance of Black Art being curated by individuals who deeply understood the Black experience.

Cliff Joseph, Blackboard, Renee Yeager / Thom Pegg, Tyler Fine Art
Cliff Joseph, My Country Right or Wrong, Renee Yeager / Thom Pegg, Tyler Fine Art

As BECC’s co-chair, he was instrumental in organizing the “Rebuttal to Whitney Museum Exhibition” at the Acts of Art Gallery in Manhattan. This exhibition was a direct response to the Whitney Museum’s decision to proceed with the Contemporary Black Artists in America exhibition without consulting BECC or community representatives, a proposal Joseph and Andrews had made. Joseph’s contributions to art therapy were pioneering, particularly as one of the first African Americans in the field. He joined the American Art Therapy Association, becoming its first African-American member. His role in suggesting art-based therapies to Governor Nelson Rockefeller during the 1971 Attica Prison uprising, in collaboration with Andrews, was a testament to his belief in the healing power of art. By 1982, Joseph was practicing art therapy at Lincoln Hospital and held a position at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, marking his long-standing commitment to this discipline. Clifford Joseph passed away on November 8, 2020.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

Categories
Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Ulysses Davis

Ulysses Davis, Self-Portrait, 1968 © Ulysses Davis
Ulysses Davis, Self-Portrait, 1968 © Ulysses Davis

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Ulysses Davis

Fallen Through The Cracks – Ulysses Davis

Ulysses Davis

#FallenThroughTheCracks – Ulysses Davis was born on January 13, 1913, in the railroad town of Fitzgerald, GA. He was an African-American barber and self-taught sculptor best known for his carvings of historical figures such as a set of mahogany busts of all the presidents (through George H. W. Bush). After being laid off by the railroad company in the 1950s, he opened the Ulysses Barber Shop in Savannah, Georgia, which doubled as an informal art gallery displaying his wood carvings.

Davis’s artistic process was marked by a distinct approach: he often eschewed preliminary sketches, preferring to shape his creations directly from the wood using hatchets, and band saws, and later refining them with chisels and knives. His toolkit was a testament to his ingenuity, featuring self-made tools that reflected the metalworking skills he honed as a young railroad blacksmith. Occasionally, he would employ barbering tools like scissors for intricate textural details. His sculptures, often embellished with shoe polish, rhinestones, and beads, showcased a unique blend of his diverse skills.

Ulysses Davis, Martin Luther King, 1968 © Ulysses Davis
Ulysses Davis, Self Portrait, 1968 © Ulysses Davis

Beyond his famous carvings of historical figures, Davis’s oeuvre included a wide array of subjects, from realistic animals to imaginative depictions of African tribal leaders and mythical creatures. His artistic vision was an amalgamation of various African motifs, contributing to a unique interpretation of African-American art.

Throughout his life, Davis created over 300 pieces, using materials as varied as shipyard lumber, donated wood, and standard lumber yard finds. His preference for working directly with the wood, carving, and refining without preliminary models, remained a consistent and defining aspect of his artistry. Ulysses Davis passed away in 1990 in Savannah, GA.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

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Projects

Art History Challenger GPT by ArtAboveReality

GPT Creation by ArtAboveReality
GPT Creation by ArtAboveReality

Art History Challenger GPT by ArtAboveReality

Ever since ChatGPT dropped I’d been sharpening up my Python to be able to create my own models and more that bounce off other APIs for arts institutions. With the release of GPT-4, I’ve been able to insert some of my logic with the amazing back end engine of Open AI and create about 14 different GPTs that help to automate my workflows, be the assistant I’ve always needed, and create learning games to ensure that I’m always on my toes when it comes to testing my knowledge. The Art History Challenger is something cool that I’ve been building to help bring more arts education mainstream and add fun to it. Take a look at it here: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-4hBQSzwjX-art-history-challenger-by-artabovereality. Tell me what you think! 

Categories
Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Beauford Delaney

Beauford Delaney, Dark Rapture, 1941, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.
Beauford Delaney, Dark Rapture, 1941, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Beauford Delaney

Fallen Through The Cracks – Beauford Delaney

Beauford Delaney

#FallenThroughTheCracks –  Beauford Delaney was born on December 30, 1901, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Delaney’s artistic path began when, as a teenager. Alongside his younger brother Joseph, he started crafting his sign designs. Delaney’s thirst for artistic knowledge led him to Boston, where he pursued formal art education. He studied at institutions like the Massachusetts Normal School, the South Boston School of Art, and the Copley Society, acquiring a strong foundation in classical technique.

In Boston, Delaney not only honed his artistic skills but also engaged with significant figures in African-American activism and culture. With this valuable knowledge, he moved to New York in 1929, coinciding with the Harlem Renaissance—a time of cultural vitality in the black community. His art began to reflect the vibrant urban life of Harlem, capturing its essence through colorful and engaging canvases. Members of this disenfranchised community became the subjects of many of Delaney’s greatest New York period paintings.

Beauford Delaney, Dark Rapture, 1941, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.
Beauford Delaney, Auto Portrait Rapture, 1965, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.
Beauford Delaney, Auto Portrait, 1965, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.

While Delaney integrated African American influences, such as jazz, into his art, he wasn’t inclined to participate in the socio-political debates or “Negro art” discussions of the time. Nevertheless, he took pride in black achievement and actively exhibited his work in black artists’ exhibitions. In 1953, at the age of 52, Delaney made a significant move to Paris, where many African-American artists and writers sought greater creative freedom. This shift marked a transformation in his style, transitioning from figurative compositions of New York life to abstract expressionism, emphasizing color and light.

His work has been showcased in prestigious institutions such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, solidifying his legacy as a remarkable artist. Beauford Delaney died in Paris at St. Anne’s on March 26, 1979. In 1985 James Baldwin described the impact of Delaney on his life, saying he was “the first living proof, for me, that a black man could be an artist.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

Categories
Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Willie Middlebrook

Willie Middlebrook, n His "Own" Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His "Own" Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Willie Middlebrook

Fallen Through The Cracks – Cliff Joseph

Willie Middlebrook

#FallenThroughTheCracks –  Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. was born on August 11, 1957, in Detroit, MI. He was a photographer and artist, and an ardent advocate for the African-American community in Los Angeles. Throughout his illustrious career, this remarkable artist garnered numerous accolades and left an indelible mark on the world of photography in Los Angeles and beyond.

Educationally endowed, he possessed an Associate of Arts degree in Art/Photography from Compton Community College and a Certificate in Design from the Communicative Arts Academy. His legacy extended beyond his artistry as he became an influential figure in the classroom, teaching at renowned institutions like the Watts Towers Arts Center and California State University, Los Angeles. Additionally, he served on the advisory committee for the Photography Department at his alma mater, Compton Community College.

Willie Middlebrook, n His “Own” Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His "Own" Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His “Own” Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.

As a fine artist, he is celebrated for his portraits of African-American individuals and communities in the greater Los Angeles area, always depicted with dignity and respect. His innovative photographic printing techniques, marked by thickly applied photographic emulsion in a dripping fashion, layered upon surfaces and meticulously exposed to create unique prints, became a hallmark of his work. His journey was punctuated by more than two decades of awards and recognition, including the City of Los Angeles Individual Artist Fellowship grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs in 2009, commendations from the Los Angeles City Council, and the distinguished title of “Hometown Hero” bestowed upon him by the City of Compton.

His journey was paved with recognition and honors, including two prestigious Visual Artist Fellowships in photography from the National Endowment for the Arts. His artistic prowess extended to public commissions, with notable contributions to iconic structures like the Los Angeles Metro Expo/Crenshaw Station. His lens also captured history as a photographer for Time Magazine, with his poignant images of the African-American struggle in Los Angeles finding a global audience, primarily in European editions. Major museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and LACMA quickly recognized the profound significance of his work, eagerly adding his creations to their collections. Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. died on May 5, 2012, in Los Angeles, CA.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

Categories
Projects

“Remote”, a new Web Series presented in partnership with Not Real Art World

Remote: Exploring Public Art with Badir McCleary

We have been holding this secret for way too long and now we are excited to announce that we are releasing “Remote”, a 6-part web series focused on exploring Public Art! I had the pleasure of partnering with my good friend Scott “Sourdough” Power on this amazing project and can’t wait for you all to enjoy, critique, and repeat! It will be released in the social media and YouTube realms this weekend and also on ArtAboveReality.com! I’m so thrilled about this and looking forward to your comments and more! Check out the trailer and read the show details below!

In a world adorned with vibrant creativity and captivating stories, lies a secret waiting to be uncovered. Welcome to ‘Remote,’ the art series that takes you on a mesmerizing journey to the hidden corners of the globe, where art installations breathe life into cities, communities, and souls.

Join us as we embark on an extraordinary exploration, peeling back the layers of public art’s profound impact. From towering sculptures to interactive murals, each stroke and structure holds a tale, a testament to the boundless imagination of artists who dared to dream big. Our mission is simple: to unveil the enigmatic stories woven into these artistic marvels. We’ll delve deep into the heart of each artwork, unraveling its message, dissecting its symbolism, and celebrating the incredible minds behind its creation.

‘Remote’ is a journey that transcends the canvas and embraces the profound connections between art, communities, and the human experience. Together, we’ll uncover how public art breathes life into forgotten neighborhoods, ignites conversations, and transforms entire cities into living galleries of inspiration. Get ready to embark on a global quest, where artistry knows no boundaries and every brushstroke, every sculpture, tells a tale waiting to be heard. Welcome to ‘Remote,’ where art’s untold stories come to life. Watch the series exclusively on Not Real Art!

Categories
Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph

Fallen Through The Cracks – Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph

Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph

#FallenThroughTheCracks – Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph was born between 1892 and 1900 in rural Alabama. She was a textile artist and one of the esteemed quilters of the Gee’s Bend Quilters collective, a group of African-American women who gained international recognition for their unique quilting style and craftsmanship. Her mother passed away when she was a young child. She had one sibling, Timothy, who sang in gospel choirs in the neighboring town of Camden, Alabama.

She comes from a community with a rich quilting heritage and her skills have been passed down through generations. Annie married Jacob Bendolph and raised 16 children many of whom became prominent quilters including Bettie Bendolph Seltzer. Many families often had their distinct styles, patterns, and designs. Bendolph’s quilts were made exclusively of utilitarian, recycled materials, such as old clothes and empty sacks.

Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph, Photo by Arthur Rothstein, 1937.
Pettway Family Group, Photo by Arthur Rothstein, 1937.

Bendolph employed an improvisational approach to quilt-making piecing together various fabric scraps without relying on predetermined templates. The quilts contain vibrant color palettes which contribute to the impact and energy of her works. Exercising a departure from classical quilt making, adopting a more minimalist quality influenced by the isolation of her location and materials available. She has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the quilting tradition of Gee’s Bend. Her work is included in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph passed away in 1981.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)