The Queen City’s art scene has been growing in size and stature for some time. But if you’re just getting hep to it (and if you’re still using “hep” we now understand why it’s taken this long), here’s a quick intro guide to the arts in Cincinnati.
Lately, we’ve been talking to loads of interesting artists and art lovers in Cincinnati who’ve aided in our understanding of the local scene.
Among those most helpful to Postindustrial’s Cincy art education is Tamara White, who regular readers will remember from her recent column for us about the transformative and healing power of prison art.
These days, when she isn’t writing for Postindustrial, White is overseeing the creation of a new Bader +Simon gallery in Cincinnati’s art-loving, Over-The-Rhine neighborhood.
“My goal with Bader + Simon is to encourage curiosity, creativity, and activism through the intersectionality of art, education, and social justice,” says White.
Of course, those with no inside scoop to the Cincinnati art scene will do well to start their education at the Cincinnati Art Museum, an august art house with delightful modern tastes, such as its current collection representing 50 years of hip hop.
The multimedia exhibition showcases more than 100 works of art by some of today’s most
important and celebrated artists–such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Roberto Lugo, Carrie Mae
Weems, William Cordova, Hassan Hajjaj, and Hank Willis Thomas–and fashion brands with
looks from Cross Colours and Vivienne Westwood.
You’ll want to catch this exhibit soon since its last day is Sept. 29.
Upcoming exhibits at the museum include a retrospective on the late, great Ohio artist and American icon George Bellows, who is well known for depictions of real-life struggles of the early 20th century, including combat of the boxing ring.
“As an artist lithographer, Bellows transformed topical subjects into fine art,” shared Kristin
Spangenberg, Curator of Prints at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
And, of course, you shouldn’t limit your appreciation of Cincinnati’s art scene to just the galleries and museums. The city boasts perhaps the best mural game in Postindustrial America.
Embark on a self-guided tour of the murals with this handy guide on a pleasant day and you’ll be wowed for hours while strolling through one of our favorite open-air galleries that is Cincinnati.
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