Black Boy Art Show stops in Chicago for its 200th exhibition

The Black Boy Art Show returns to Chicago for the last time this year with over 70 showcasing artists.

By Kelsei Brianna

Artist Johnnie Akons paints Al Pacino as Tony Montana in "Scarface” during the Black Boy Art Show in Bridgeport Sunday, November 10. (Kelsei Brianna/Medill)

Over 70 mixed medium artists huddled in Bridgeport this Sunday to set up an exhibit for a day during the Black Boy Art Show in the Zhou B Art Center. Art lovers were in awe of complex sculptures, Black owned clothing brands, and neutral-colored abstract art spray painted on wood, colorful portraits of high-profile figures like Sexyy Red and Nicki Minaj with shades of pinks, reds and greens in place of a traditional skin color.

“It’s a wide range. There are people who brought 30 pieces. There are some who brought four really good ones,” Chicago Exhibition Manager Candace Breedlove said. Mediums you will see at the Black Boy Art Show is up to the artists in the show. “As far as mediums, we have an artist who has glow in the dark art, and he’s incorporated crystals in his paintings as well. So, there’s actually a little walk-in exhibit with his pieces on the wall.” Breedlove said.

Chicago was Black Boy Art Show’s 200th stop since launching in 2019.

"Drizzy (The Heart)" painted by artist Jamichael Kyng Pollard among other art pieces by Pollard. (Kelsei Brianna/Medill)

Joshua Love founded Black Boy Art Show to create an opportunity where he did not see it, a space where Black artists can be spotlighted and be discovered.  Black Boy Art Show hosts an open call for interested artists to submit pieces and possibly be selected to showcase their work during the show. Artists are intrigued by inviting social media posts, influenced at pop up arts shows, charmed by interviews from the founders, or sent direct email listings, according to the Chicago Exhibition Manager.

“If I don’t see it, I will create the opportunity,” Love, 36, said. “If I don’t see the door, I’ll build a door and I’ll create a pathway, and I’ll create a lane that doesn’t exist. That's just a part of my creative, entrepreneurial nature.”

Along with Black Boy Art Show, Love created Black Girls Art Show and Black Youth Art Show. Black Girl Art Show began with 15 women artists Love knew personally, then grew to feature 50 women artists in Atlanta. Gaining sponsorships and traction, Love brought the art shows to 25 cities and went from 15 artists to 5,000 artists from around the country since the launch, according to Love.

This tour stop in Bridgeport was hosted by a lively emcee, Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree. Art lovers browsed charming and thought-provoking art pieces while listening to a mashup of R&B and electronic music. Sipping wine from the art show bar, attendees engaged with artists, watched artists create on the spot and mingled with friendly art lovers. Attendees were immersed in meaningful paintings, artwork splattered on hats, and hyper realistic portraits of family members and notable celebrities.

With two shows in each major city per year, a wide range of artists create and choose to share during the show.

Featured artist Jamichael Kyng Pollard speaks about his piece entitled “Beautiful Queen” with an attendee at the Black Boy Art Show. (Kelsei Brianna/Medill)

In addition to the varying mediums, each featured artist kicked off their art careers at different points in their lives. Whether it began as a past time, form of relief or self-care the purpose of picking up a paint brush varies for each artist.

“Spray paint and wood,” featured artist Ikechi Ojoré said. “Honestly, I started painting during COVID and that’s just the material that was available.”

Find Black Boy Art Show on Instagram here to attend the next show near you.