An Urban Vision

From January 25 to February 23, 2007, the humanities symposium collaborated with Loyola College’s Julio Fine Arts Gallery to present an event called “Urban Visions”. The event featured an exhibition of artists and writers from the city of Baltimore. Artists and writers included Liz Bowie (journalist, Baltimore Sun), Andre Chung (photography, Baltimore Sun), Ellis Marsallis, III (t.p. Luce) (photography), Tony Shor (painting), and Dee Herget and Tom Lipka (painted screens). All of the works by the artists and writers came together to provide a spectator a true feeling for what the city of Baltimore is like. Baltimore is full of people and culture and these artists made an attempt to represent them.

Two of the artists that I thought really captured some of the traditional culture of Baltimore were Dee Herget and Tom Lipka. Both of these artists are known for their painted (window) screens. Screen painting was an art form on its way to being lost and forgotten until these artist were able to bring it back to Baltimore. Their painted screens depicted views of the city, as well as happy scenes of the countryside. This art form reminded me of the lecture that James Howard Kunstler gave several weeks ago. Kunstler spoke of a “new urbanism” that we must strive to build as we move on to the future. Mainly, he spoke of how people have lost the ideals of art and quality in a city which can actually put the city into being. Instead of building a building for the sake of it, that building should also be aesthetically pleasing because that is where people really able to draw feelings about the city. It is the small details and qualities in city that develop a reputation and allows it to thrive, even if someone had to put a little extra effort into it.

In the same way as the screen painters were able to display some of Baltimore’s culture, the photographers of the exhibit were able to successfully capture some of the life and the people of the city. Ellis Marsallis, III displayed some of the most moving photographs for me. He gave viewers a glimpse in black and white of the lives of some of the lower class families of Baltimore. It was a glimpse of life that was not only raw reality, but it was also community. Most of these photos were taken on sides of streets, where most of their daily life occurs. Daily life ranges from children hanging around having a good time, to older teenagers living alone and in fear with the belief that violence is a solution. Marsallis depicted a sometimes harsh reality of poverty that is often forgotten or just pushed away to the side by some. His photographs helped me to realize how grateful I am to be a student at Loyola College.

Being grateful for the opportunity given is an important lesson to learn, but another thing that I got out “Urban Visions” was the importance of developing a sense of community. I do not originate from the city of Baltimore, but I do currently reside in it. Getting involved with the city, the people, and the culture is what the Year of the City theme is all about. Getting involved and providing service to the city will be a goal of mine as long as I am resident of the great city of Baltimore.