Thomas James

Meet Thomas James, a curator and culture protector based in Baltimore, renowned for his dedication to promoting and elevating black artists and their distinctive perspectives. With a strong passion for redefining the black aesthetic in the art world, Thomas has curated numerous exhibitions that showcase the richness and diversity of black artistry. In this special bonus episode, recorded in September 2021 at The Eubie Blake Cultural Center, Thomas engages in an insightful art talk with hosts Rob Lee and Jason V, as they delve into the thought-provoking topic of "Repercussions: Redefining the Black Aesthetic."In this exclusive interview:We delve into the vast and ever-evolving black aesthetic, exploring how it reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of black artists.Join us as we discuss abstract art and its power to challenge traditional notions of fine art, allowing artists to explore different materials and perspectives.In this insightful conversation, we shed light on the unique hurdles faced by black artists in critiques and art appreciation, discussing how their work is sometimes overlooked or misunderstood.Discover the growing representation of black artists and curators in the art world, as more galleries and institutions recognize and celebrate the value of black art.Tune in to learn about the expanding Baltimore art scene, which attracts artists and collectors from other cities, fostering exciting collaboration and networking opportunities in the vibrant art community.In this episode of the Baltimore podcast "Local Color," host Jason and co-host Rob Lee interview Thomas James, a curator and culture protector. Thomas discusses his latest exhibition, "Repercussions," which showcases abstract black art. He explains that the black aesthetic is vast and ever-evolving, reflecting the diverse experiences and perspectives of black artists. Thomas also discusses the challenges faced by black artists in the art world and the changing landscape of gallery representation. He emphasizes the importance of empowering black artists and curators and expanding the Baltimore art scene.Repercussions: Redefining the Black Aesthetic"More than 50 years removed from the 1960s ‘new abstraction’ movement, contemporary Black artists are creating abstract works that add new layers to what we consider fine art. This work is important to analyze as these artists tell new stories, inserting themselves into the conversations affecting the modern world."—Thomas James, Exhibition CuratorFeaturing the artists* ALEXANDRE AMEGAH * ANTONIO MCAFEE * ASHA ELANA CASEY * BRIA STERLING * CHARLES PHILIPPE JEAN PIERRE * DESMOND BEACH * KY VASSOR * LEHNA HUIE * LIONEL FRAIZER WHITE III * QRCKY * REBECCA MARIMUTU * SARAH STEFANA SMITH * SULDANO ABDRIRUHMAN * VICTORIA WALTON * WELSEY CLARKMentioned in this episode:Jason's Local Color PodcastEubie Blake Cultural Center🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

Welcome to "The Truth in This Art." I'm your host, Rob Lee, and I’m thrilled to introduce our next guest: Thomas James, curator, arts facilitator, critic, and Visual Arts Director for Creative Alliance. We discuss his new exhibition BRIGHT. Thomas is a curator with extensive experience in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, joined Creative Alliance in 2018. His background includes crafting exhibitions with prominent organizations such as The Phillips Collection and The Jerusalem Fund. In his latest endeavor, the BRIGHT exhibition, he brings together ten Black American artists to showcase their stunning works in Creative Alliance's main gallery. This collection challenges mainstream portrayals of Black bodies, offering an authentic and vibrant depiction of Black life that encourages viewers to see Blackness in a new light.Join us as we discuss:Exploring the groundbreaking "Bright" exhibition curated by Thomas James, aimed at shedding light on underrepresented histories and narratives through the powerful lens of black artists. Expect to encounter captivating works that challenge conventional perspectives.Get ready to meet Thomas James, an arts facilitator, and curator dedicated to supporting and promoting black artists. Expect to learn about his mission to bring representation and equity to the forefront of the art world, breaking free from historical marginalization.Discover the path to becoming a curator as we uncover the essential steps: attending art shows, forging connections with artists and fellow curators, and developing your own unique vision for thought-provoking exhibitions. Expect to be inspired to take your first steps into this creative realm.Explore the concept of equitable support for artists, where specialized assistance and artist development take center stage. Expect insights into how nurturing and prioritizing artists' growth can foster a thriving artistic community.Be inspired by Thomas James' commitment to cultivating inclusive art spaces that embrace diversity and create opportunities for all artists to shine. Expect to witness the transformative impact of representation and equity in the art world.EXHIBITION ARTISTS:AmbroseMarie Charlotte AmegahDestiny BelgraveMichael A. BookerSchroeder CherryAndrew GrayDavid IbataJabari C. JeffersonMegan Lewis (cover photo)Arin MitchellJoin us as we explore the world of exhibition art with Thomas James as he discusses his role as an arts facilitator and curator, emphasizing the importance of being a cultural protector and ensuring equitable representation for black artists. He shares insights into his upcoming exhibition, "Bright," which features the work of ten black artists from the DC and Baltimore areas. Thomas also provides advice for aspiring curators and art enthusiasts on how to appreciate and critique art.🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

Welcome to a captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art"! Join host Rob Lee as he engages in a meaningful conversation with Hot Sauce Artist Collective's James Alpha Massaquoi Jr and Creative Alliance's Thomas James. In this interview, we'll discuss Hot Sauce Artist Collective's 'Hot On The Block'. This gallery exhibition motivated to create opportunities for artists to show their work in person during the pandemic. A group of artists will present their perspectives through artwork. The ultimate goal is to offer a space where different perspectives can coexist and people can experience art in person. Join us as we discover:The vibrant arts scene of Baltimore, with its galleries, museums, and black-owned restaurants, celebrating creativity and culture.Prepare for an enlightening podcast episode as Alpha Massaquoi takes us into the world of his large drawings, showcasing black beauty and countering negative narratives.Join us to explore Thomas James' genuine intentions as he facilitates important conversations and supports emerging artists on their creative journey.Join us in this enlightening episode as Rob Lee interviews James Alpha Massaquoi and Thomas James about their work as artists and curators in Baltimore. Alpha discusses his focus on creating beautiful artwork that showcases black beauty and challenges the negative narratives often portrayed in the media. Thomas talks about his role as a curator and the importance of having authentic intentions when working with artists. They also discuss their favorite places in Baltimore, their goals as artists and curators, and upcoming projects, including an exhibition at UV Blake featuring the Hot Sauce artist collective.Mentioned in this episodeHot Sauce Artist Collective's James Alpha Massaquoi Jr 🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧