Since its inception in 2020, the Black Boy Art Show has emerged as a significant platform exclusively dedicated to highlighting Black male visual artists. Unlike traditional gallery settings, this traveling exhibition offers a unique atmosphere where art is sold directly to patrons through vendor booths rather than the familiar formal gallery experience.
The show operates similarly to a juried exhibition, with submissions from Black male artists being meticulously selected by a panel of critics. The offerings at the show include a wide array of art forms—from original pieces and prints to figurines and sculptures—that cater to both new and seasoned art collectors.
“We’re creating a culture where art is continuously being produced and patronized,” said Love, the show’s founder. He emphasizes the event’s role in fostering a sense of community among both first-time buyers and long-time art enthusiasts, noting the atmosphere that has developed around these gatherings. “It’s magical,” he adds, addressing the impact of the show on individuals’ art appreciation.
Love’s profound connection to art stems from his challenging childhood in Philadelphia. At the tender age of three, he was put up for adoption due to his parents’ struggles with drug addiction and did not find a permanent home until he was eight. This tumultuous upbringing led to a speech impediment that he overcame through artistic expression.
“I had a severe stuttering disorder and attended speech therapy, but nothing worked for me,” Love recalls. However, engaging with art, music, and theater significantly boosted his self-esteem and served as a powerful outlet.
After beginning his professional journey as a graphic designer, Love transitioned to event promotions, hosting his first show in 2009. This independent music showcase, titled “Music Makes Me Happy,” spotlighted local artists in the Philadelphia area and was his stepping stone into the world of event organization.
In 2014, Love relocated to Atlanta, bringing along his passion for creating community-centric events. He founded the Emoji Art Show in 2018 to emphasize the promotion of emotional well-being through art, further nurturing his commitment to uplifting artists.
The concept of the Black Boy Art Show was born out of the success of a parallel effort called the A Spectacular Black Girl Art Show, which highlighted the work of Black women artists. Following its remarkable turnout—a sold-out event featuring jewelry makers and fashion designers—Love decided to explore a similar show for Black male artists.
Responding to demand, he quickly organized the first Black Boy Art Show, initially branded as A Marvelous Black Boy Art Show. What began as a humble gathering quickly evolved into a celebrated event, breaking attendance records within its first year.
“I didn’t think that it would be as popular as the Black Girl Art Show, but it actually ended up being just as celebrated,” Love noted. The event’s success has since propelled the Black Boy Art Show into 20 cities across the U.S., growing from 30 artists in its inaugural year to nearly 70 the following year, with expectations to showcase over 150 artists this time around.
Participants at past editions have included notable local artists like William Floyd of King Pop Designs, Cam The Artist, and Brochevski. The show’s ability to highlight emerging talent alongside established figures fosters a sense of mentorship and communal growth among the artists involved.
Arm of Casso, also known as Antonio Mcilwaine, attended the first Black Boy Art Show and praised the event for its networking opportunities. Moving from Philadelphia to Atlanta just two years prior, showcasing at the event helped him gain significant exposure within the local arts scene, which he feels still lacks sufficient representation for Black artists.
Longtime Atlanta artist Paper Frank will also participate in this year’s show, displaying a new figurine titled “Damien.” After observing the growth of the Black Boy Art Show from the outside, he felt compelled to take part this year due to its focus on young Black children, a theme prominent in his work.
This year’s show will feature a diverse range of artistic styles, including high-contrast acrylic paintings reflecting abstract expressionism and mixed media showcasing hyperrealism and portraiture. The artists’ age range and experience levels create a vibrant community where inspiration flourishes as they learn from one another.
“Indirectly, we’re creating a community of mentorship within the artist community,” Love explained. Young artists often have the opportunity to exchange ideas with seasoned professionals, cultivating connections that enhance their artistic journeys.
The upcoming Black Boy Art Show in Atlanta follows a February event in Washington, D.C., with additional shows scheduled for Chicago and Brooklyn this summer. Along with the Black Boy Art Show, Love continues to support other themed art events, such as the Black Girl Art Show and the Black Youth Art Show, while also promoting the popular R&B party Feels ATL that has been a mainstay since 2021.
For Love, balancing multiple events is not merely a job; it is a passion woven into the fabric of his life. “I’ve always known I had something special in terms of bringing people together,” he reflected, likening his role to that of an artist using the community as his canvas. In his view, each event represents an opportunity to create meaningful experiences that foster connection through the collective expression of art.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/uatl/traveling-exhibition-of-art-exclusively-made-by-black-men-returns-to-atlanta/JYNZHEVSTFBA7CF2ISFB2VTMK4/
