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Ways to Support Black Art in the Cultural District

Fri, Feb 4, 2022

Written by: Becca Hansborough

Black History Month is officially here and there has never been a better time to support Black art and artists in the Cultural District and beyond! Keep reading for a list of events, exhibits, films, and much more highlighting black artists this month.

InVisible at 820 Liberty

Until Feb. 13
InVisible by the Coloured Section Black Artists' Collective and curated under the direction of Natiq Jalil and artists Zeal Eva and Amun Ray is an art exhibit centered on mental health from the Black perspective, featuring painting, sculpture, performance, multimedia installations, and poetry by 12 artists. The work highlights artists' personal battles with mental health and explores vices, remedies, mental health practices, therapy, medications, coping mechanisms, and triggers. As of 2018, sixteen percent (4.8 million) of Black and African American people reported having a mental illness (SAMHSA’s 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health), InVisible takes a close look at just a fraction of these experiences. “Given the topics covered in this exhibition, some of the work may be raw, jarring, and push the viewers outside of their comfort zone,” said artist and Collective founder Natiq Jalil. “This is done intentionally so that the artists can shine light on their chosen illnesses and amplify and uplift those who may also struggle with these illnesses.” Artists also present works inspired by situations that cause Black people to feel invisible, such as casual racism, microaggressions, narrative changes, and false diversity movements.

Film: The Sleeping Negro at the Harris Theater

 

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Feb. 18 - Feb. 24
Directed by Skinny Meyers, The Sleeping Negro tells the storty of a young Black man in America as he is faced with a series of racially charged incidents, and must learn to overcome the rage, alienation, and hopelessness associated in order to find his own humanity. As art imitates life, Skinny channels his own experiences as a Black man into the film. The Sleeping Negro resonates now more than ever as the consistent injustices on the Black community higlighted by the Black Lives Matter movment continue to arise in Pittsburgh and beyond. Get tickets here

Live Music at Greer Cabaret Theater

Until Feb. 26
Pittsburgh’s favorite bands featuring several African American artists from an array of genres are making waves every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, at 7:00 p.m. at the Greer Cabaret Theater. From local rockstar Bryon Nash who dominated the stage this past week, to the sophisticated and smoky sounds of KEA, and the island vibes of Jamaican music group, 4-YAADI, these artists embody the ever growing range of music and culture prominent in Pittsburgh’s Black community. Purchase tickets at trustarts.org/cabaret.

Eric Jones in IMMACULATE DECEPTION at Liberty Magic

Until Feb. 27
Philadelphia’s own Eric Jones landed onto the magic scene 20 years ago and has continued to perfect his craft in the art of close up magic ever since. Having made appearances on Comedy Central and The CW’s Masters of Illusion, successfully fooling Penn and Teller on the hit show Fool Us, and being among the final 12 contestants on season 12 of America’s Got Talent, Eric has made quite the impact in an industry that at times lacks diversity. As of December, 2021, only ten percent of magicians in the U.S. were identified as African American (Zippia). Eric has worked as a pillar in his community to bring magic to the masses and as Liberty Magic’s Inaugural Magician and Artistic Advisor helps the venue reach more diverse audiences. He returns to his third residency at the theater this month in his new show Immaculate Deception. Tickets can be purchased at trustarts.org/magic

 

BNY Mellon Present Jazzlive Series

 

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Until Mar. 29
The BNY Mellon Presents JazzLive series has allowed the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to showcase hundreds of jazz greats from all over the region in the heart of the Cultural District since 2004. The legacy of jazz in Pittsburgh is synonymous with African American History. On their route between New York and Chicago, jazz greats often passed through Pittsburgh in the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s, bringing along with them the vibes and sounds that would influence Pittsburgh jazz lovers for generations to come. That love is kept alive today through the BNY Mellon Presents JazzLive Series, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild's MCG Jazz Series and the jazz tunes that can be heard at bars, restaurants, and clubs across the city. This year’s BNY Mellon Presents JazzLive series includes local jazz standout Dwayne Dolphin, who is a mainstay in the jazz scene, having worked with Pittsburgh greats such as Roger Humphries, Pete Henderson, and Carl Arter. Also featured is Anita Levels and SoulVation, whose powerhouse vocals have taken her across the pond to tour in England, Holland and other countries. These artists among others can be seen at the Backstage Bar every Tuesday between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. For more information on the history of the series, and the recipient of the 2021 JazzLive Legacy Award, Dr. Harry Clark, visit trustarts.org/jazzlive

Want more ways to support and reflect during Black History Month? Check out this list of Black owned businesses and these events happening throughout the remainder of February. 



 

Tags:
  • Black History Month
  • Black art
  • Black artists in Pittsburgh