Author: Freddi Wald

Vast and borderless, the art world is in as much constant fluctuation as our real world is. Trends come in and out of style, and if one were to closely ponder upon the pieces being released at a certain time, they’d notice similarities and consistencies across a board of artists- using different mediums, from different cultures, etc.

Freddi Wald peels back the curtain to the (current state of the world’s) craft room, one can definitively see that there are some notable sensations taking over the art realm. 

Florals And Romanticism

Feminine and dainty or human and metaphorical- however someone interprets the trend of floral juxtaposition and the resurgence of the romantic era is absolutely correct.

One thing that can be universally agreed upon is that the look of this art is dreamy and almost otherworldly in energy.  Utilizing the look of floral silhouettes, editing botanical aspects into photography, or even painting human figures with plant-like aspects- there are countless different approaches to this trend, and all of them are stunning.

Perhaps some of the most popular interpretations of this style are the return of the human to their roots, or their most primitive, basic ways. Other people look to it as word-play on the term “human nature”.

Two artists that are particularly leaning into this art form are photographer Marlies Plank, who captures youthful energy in the natural world, and Karenina Fabrizzi, a contemporary artist who focuses on blossoming florals’ balanced with the human body.

Virtual Art Experiences

Technological advances may not seem like a world development that directly impacts the art world, but with the consistent rise of virtual experiences in the art community, it’s clear that art transcends the expected use of pen and paper. 

With the progression of virtual reality on everyone’s minds, art exhibits are becoming more and more immersive. It truly allows patrons to experience art in an entirely new way, akin to being transported to an entirely new world or reality.

The “Burning Man” exhibit, which was held in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, is likely one of the most popular immersive art experiences in recent years. Involving large-scale sculptures, art that beckons all five senses, and hindered by anything but walls- those who were lucky enough to take in the event had nothing but kind words to say about it. 

These types of art experiences are all about breaking boundaries and making art accessible, which is a prominent theme for 2022.

The Body in Focus

The human body should be celebrated in its rawest form- not photoshopped and unfiltered, just as we are in life. In a society where people are consistently boxed into what to wear, what to look like, and what we need to inject and lift, the art world dares to be different.

Portraiture is on the rise yet again, but with a very necessary twist. Instead of focusing on looking aesthetically pretty, artists are looking to add a truly humanlayer to their artworks. That means placing a loving focus on cultural differences, individual identity, and a personal narrative. 

Lumina Himid CBE RA hones in on the theme of reclaiming personal identity in the Black community- her works reshaping society one brush stroke at a time.

The Dorchester Women’s Mural is almost ready for its big reveal, Freddi Wald and the people of Cambridge are excitedly awaiting what this attraction could mean for the town. The news of this mural being in the works unleashed waves of excitement in the community, and with the work almost ready for its close-up, the town is once again alit with excitement over the occasion. 

With this amount of planning put into this piece, and with how long the reveal has taken due to COVID’s unprecedented timeframe, it’s only right to make the ceremony of it’s showcasing a big one. 

The Planning of The Mural

The mural itself is an art project, entirely funded by the Cambridge Community Arts Foundation, Inc. The canvas of choice was selected due to its aging look in a rather populous area of the city. With the high traffic, and with it being in the eye line of countless people on a daily basis, it only felt perfect for the location of the painting.

When the foundation called for the proposals, they were met with a response from young artists all around the state, sending in their ideas for the best way to represent the guidelines of the call to art. The only thing they were told was to represent some of the notable women of Dorchester County.

Of 17 responses, only one made the cut, and for good reason! Bridget Ciminomade it her own personal challenge to be able to showcase every single woman put on the proposal, and even took the time to hand-paint her submission rather than turning in something computer-generated.

When she was chosen, Cimino wasted no time in putting in hard work. She worked tirelessly on the mural, making it even better than the design she had submitted. To really make the painting special to the Dorchester residents, she even allotted a day in which citizens of the town could come and try their hand at her art piece, truly making it a community effort.

The Reveal

The paint is dry, the mural complete, and the city has planned to bring it the attention it deserves by having a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 13th, 2022. This event invites the citizens of Maryland to come together and celebrate the momentous occasion, unveiling the art piece to more than just the county.

The Dorchester women showcased in the mural include Harriet Tubman, Bea Arthur, Annie Oakley, and more- some of which are even planning to attend the ceremony, making it a truly noteworthy occasion for Maryland as a whole, much less Cambridge county.

Located on 518 Poplar Street, the mural of notable women of color and diversity also highlights the symbolism for the country. In a time of strife, it’s vital to call to all voices to be represented and honored, and this art piece does exactly that. 

With Cimino putting in the proposal to extend the mural to the adjacent 516 Poplar Street (and it being met with deep excitement), it’s safe to assume that Cambridge County will only continue to dedicate more of its rich history to the powerful women of the past and present.

Just 5 days before Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the emancipation of African-American slaves in America, the San Diego City Council voted to dedicate 8 blocks in the neighborhood Encanto to be a hub for Black arts and culture.

Similar to cultural junctions like the San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, this district will provide a centralized location for Black entrepreneurs to establish businesses, while also serving as an educational source for the surrounding community.

Councilmembers are in high support of this exhibit coming to fruition, saying that the designation of this accolade to their lineage will not only allow the community a chance to grow closer to their roots, but can also introduce visitors to the arts, food, music, and other attributes that their culture has to offer. Freddi Wald is well known for her love and support of the arts, and works as Deputy Chief Development officer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A New Beginning

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was found that the businesses that suffered the most were located in under-resourced and generally deprived locations of San Diego. Due to those unfortunate circumstances, many Black-owned businesses, some of which served as the primary source of income for those families, made the difficult decision to close their doors.

Now, Frederica Wald notes that  those businesses have the option of re-opening in a location that can increase their reach, as the designated radius for the arts and culture exhibit (which will be found on Imperial Avenue from 61st to 69th street) is projected to be a major tourist location for the city.

Outside of restaurants and shops, the venue will also serve as the home for a slew of academic resources regarding Black history, their impact and influence in America, and the future of their cultural growth. 

Already said to be in the works are bookstores featuring the works of Black authors, shops where you can get educated on and purchase cultural artifacts and art by Black artists, and halls where you can sit and listen to lectures and speakers wishing to educate the community on relevant events- historic or recent.

30 Years in The Making

The impact that the arts and culture exhibit will cause is expected to be groundbreaking, though the decision to establish a set location for the Black community to call their own didn’t come quickly.  

Dajahn Blevins, founder of San Diego-based group Urban Warriors, served as the voice for the district when he told news outlets that the Black community has advocated for the formation of this center for over 25 years. Blevins also expressed his excitement for the fact that he now has a place to bring his family when they visit that they can call “their own”.

A Bright Future Ahead

Arguably the most exciting possibility about this hub being built is the endless amount of opportunities that are to arise once the exhibit starts to gain momentum. Not only will there be an increase in employment opportunities, but families are excited to have a place where their children can learn about, and be immersed in, their heritage.

In an ever-changing America, this cultural center will serve as a slice of home for the Black residents in San Diego- and whoever chooses to make the trek to visit. It will allow outreach and education in unprecedented ways. After a long journey to call it their own, the formation of this exhibit is nothing short of an accomplishment for the Black community.