Art and the city | HillRag

2024 Capital Art Book Fair
North Hall of the Eastern Market
Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7
artbookfair.eastcityart.com

East City Art is excited to announce the return of the Capital Art Book Fair, now in its second year, to be held in the North Hall of the Eastern Market. Scheduled for the weekend of April 6 and 7, 2024, the fair promises an enriching experience for art enthusiasts and bibliophiles alike. Admission is free and everyone is invited to explore the diverse world of art publishing on Saturdays from 11am to 6pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm

This year, the fair will host an impressive line-up of thirty-six exhibitors coming from various corners of the world, including the DMV, the United States, Asia and Europe. Attendees can expect a lively showcase of books that are works of art in their own right, along with artist-focused releases, limited-edition publications and a range of prints, DIY zines, graphic novels and art magazines. Over 100 creatives, including fine artists, independent publishers, illustrators and photographers, will showcase their work, offering a unique insight into contemporary art and the publishing landscape.

The fair will feature an impressive variety of participants, from local talent such as Vika Visual Arts and Girls on Film from Washington, DC to international exhibitors such as 51 Personae from Shanghai. Notable local institutions such as the Glenstone Museum and emerging independent publications will be among the highlights, creating a dynamic and multi-faceted art book experience. North Hall at Eastern Market, 225 7th Street SE. Saturday: 11am-6pm and Sunday: 10am-4pm

Museum of American Poetry
Nando Alvarez “Transmutation”
From March 23 to April 30
apoetmuseum.org/exhibits

“Transmutación” is an emotional exhibition that showcases artist Nando Alvarez’s captivating silkscreens and monoprints. This collection stands out for its dynamic tension and intriguing appeal, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the narratives woven into each piece. Alvarez’s work in this exhibition is deeply influenced by the bright hues and energetic style of the Chicha posters, infusing traditional screen printing techniques with a modern vibrancy. Alongside these visual works, poet Sammy Miranda introduces a fascinating interplay of art forms. His poems, inspired by the layout and spirit of the Chicha posters, enter into a reflexive dialogue with Alvarez’s creations. The exhibit is currently on display at the American Poetry Museum through the end of April. 716 Monroe Street NE, Studio 25, Washington, DC. Hours: Thursday & Friday 5-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm & Sunday 2-5pm 202-670-6252

HEMPHILL
Stephen Kushner
March 16-April 27
hemphillfinearts.com/exhibitions

HEMPHILL presents STEVEN KUSHNER through April 27. This exhibition embarks on the intriguing debate of categorizing art as abstract or representational, challenging the viewer to transcend traditional dichotomies and adopt a more integrated perception of art. Kushner’s work embodies this synthesis, fusing conceptual depth with aesthetic appeal in a way that speaks directly to the contemporary art enthusiast.

Steven Kushner’s creative process is deeply introspective and yet universally resonant. His latest inspiration, drawn from a moment of reflection on the beach, questioning the transitory beauty of nature, has resulted in a work that merges the abstract with the figurative. His paintings and works on paper from 2022 to 2024 encapsulate this journey, offering viewers a chance to experience art beyond the boundaries of -isms and categorical limitations.

Kushner has been recognized for his distinctive approach to painting, winning scholarships and showing his work in respected galleries and collections across the country, including the Hirshhorn Museum and the Yale University Art Gallery. This exhibition at HEMPHILL not only highlights Cushner’s artistic evolution, but also invites visitors to rethink their own perceptions of art, calling for a deeper, more intuitive engagement with visual language. 434 K Street NW. Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00 and by appointment. 202-234-5601

Smithsonian American
Art Museum
Freedom Fighters:
William H. Johnson representing justice
From March 8 to September 8, 2024
americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/fighters-for-freedom

The Freedom Fighters series by William H. Johnson is an artistic tribute to key figures who have contributed significantly to the struggles and triumphs in the pursuit of freedom and justice. Drawn in the mid-1940s, this series encapsulates the essence of courage and endurance demonstrated by such notables as Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Marian Anderson and Mahatma Gandhi, along with other unsung heroes who faced and overcome the challenges of racism, violence, and oppression. Through his vivid and expressive artwork, Johnson not only celebrates the achievements of these individuals, but also offers a nuanced narrative that intertwines their lives with a larger historical and social context.

Johnson’s works serve as a powerful reminder of the interconnected nature of the struggle for freedom and justice, illustrating how each individual’s contribution, regardless of global recognition, is fundamental to shaping the course of history. Bringing to light both well-known and overlooked stories, it enriches our understanding of the multifaceted struggle for civil rights and peace, prompting viewers to reflect on their roles in the modern quest for justice and harmony.

The importance of Johnson’s Freedom Fighters is further enhanced by its preservation and presentation by the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), which received a substantial collection of his works from the Harmon Foundation. Ongoing exhibitions, conservation efforts, and scholarly engagement with Johnson’s work at SAAM ensure that his artistic legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations. 8th and G Streets NW, Washington. Open daily from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm 202-633-7970.

Phil Hutinet is the founding publisher of East City Art, DC’s visual art magazine. For more information, visit www.eastcityart.com