ABOUT

“I Just Called To Say I Love You” is a tribute to Black matriarchy and motherhood through the lenses and words of four artists, curated by Cousin Tito. The exhibition is present from July 24th - August 31st at 1925 W North Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217 via a 4ft x 20ft wheat paste poster. The exhibit is inspired by voicemails left by curator Cousin Tito’s mother and late-grandmother for birthdays and random calls.

Photographers Joy Ugiagbe and Qadir El-Amin examine motherhood through their lens. Ugiagbe often photographs youth, and has recently completed her first solo exhibition at 410 Gallery “Neighborhood Watch”. Baltimore native Qadir’s photography often features family and archive with multiple photographs featuring his own mother. “What ties these photos together is the display of nurturing and care that our maternal figures show us from the time we come into this world and as we grow up,” says Qadir.

Poets Joy Barnes and Marc Fjor use language to illustrate very different, but still very familiar, sentiments around their feelings of their mothers. Barnes is very concise and sharp while Fjor is very visual and descriptive. Barne’s poem is a recognition of humanity while Fjor’s poem is a meditation on anticipated grief and the appreciation of time.

Be sure to visit the mural in West Baltimore and follow (and support) the artists.