Toyin Ojih Odutola starts us off with the next part of the series.

Toyin Ojih Odutola was born in Nigeria and later moved to the United States with her family. She’s pretty young. A good bit younger than I. You can look up more of her bio and such using the link provided. She isn’t hard to find.

I really liked her style. At least the style of these two pieces. My critique of art skills are lacking, and my education thereof is as well. Not knowing how to describe my opinion using the nomenclature of the genre, Ill just say I like the feel of them. I like the use of patterns in the textures. I really liked the color pallet and the use of contrast. I just pound her work interesting.

I looked at the gallery page I posted and enjoyed the rest of the stuff I saw there too. A very talented person undoubtedly.I assume, based on the two pieces I am sharing, and the similarities with most of her work I saw on the gallery page, that she prefers drawings using different drawing tools, charcoal, pastel, and pencil as noted in the information cards displayed with her work.

These next photos were from a display about old school hip hop. I believe these come from New York, but alas I didn’t capture any of the information cards. I will try to remember to do better with attribution now that I’m posting blog stuff.

As an AV tech myself I found these displays pretty cool. I’ve actually used gear similar to that shown here when I was a younger man doing younger man stuff. I never was a hip hop guy. Mostly small scale video production and related endeavors.

I’m sorry the electric piano is a little out of focus. I only took the one shot of it, and well, I should have done better. I’m always working to improve my skills, and my system.

I don’t know who did these pieces. I got lucky in getting the info cards I did manage to capture on the first set here. It wasn’t exactly a conscious decision to capture that information, but I’m glad I did. I didn’t have any idea when I was at the museum that I’d be posting these on my blog. My blog didn’t even exist then.

I do wish I could give credit. I hope I don’t ruffle any feathers. You can contact me if you want me to update your work with attribution. Heh, yeah right. Like any of these artists will ever look at this.

I’m not going to say much about these except I liked them enough to capture them for my future enjoyment.

More, Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys : Giants

This next group of photographs I took are from some pretty well known artists. I personally heard of both the featured artists I will showcase on this installment. I’m not exactly an encyclopedia of art history, but I do know more than some. I suppose this visit I’m highlighting just adds to my knowledge of the art world, and I’d say that’s a good thing. I’m even doing some research on the photographs I’m posting, so even more learning, yay.

Jean-Michel Basquiat was an artist from New York city. Born in Brooklyn. This is only a small taste of his work. Clearly, the subject of this piece is the author Langston Hughes. Two impressive black artists to be sure. Yes, this whole experience has been educational. Too bad, education isn’t cool. I’m pretty sure I heard about Mr. Basquait from Mtv of all places. It used to be relevant, at least to me.

Gordon Parks was an American photographer and composer. He was born in in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1912. He lived to see 93 years. He was truly a great American photographer and artist. Apparently he did more than photography. I’m so glad I had this opportunity to see some of his work. I feel like I’ve heard of him and seen his work before. Maybe I have. I definitely have now, and I suppose you have too.

This post continues “Giants:” Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. The collection will be displayed through January 19, 2025. You still have a couple days to see it if you so wish.

Sanié Sory is the name of the photographer that took the prominent image you see displayed here. Appreciating the art is some random gentleman sitting on the bench contemplating. Standing on the left of the frame is my sister as she appreciates.

Esther Malangy is credited with the next two paintings. They are acrylic on canvas. Malangy hails from South Africa. born in 1935.

Upon first seeing these painting I initially thought of Native American art I’ve seen while traveling in the south western United State. I was surprised to find it was African in origin.

My personal thoughts of these paintings was a strong appreciation for the vivid colors used and I love patterns in all forms, especially art. I also thought about how interesting that the native arts of Africa and the Native America’s had such similarity. The patterns seem very much aligned, with the main differences being the color pallet used.