This past Monday, amidst a bit of precarious, brisk wind, I sat down with artist Alezendria Decking on a suncast lawn at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to chat a little bit more with her about her life, her experiences, and her art. We talked about the hidden...
“Once upon a time a little colored girl was born inside a goddess. With a heart made of dreams and a mind made of love, she took her long skinny legs and came into this world, Earth. Oh Lord, yes she did!” This is part of the introduction to the HBO Max documentary, Donyale Luna: Supermodel. It is part of a diary entry of hers, and is one...
Robert Stuart - Light Gets InReynolds Gallery Richmond November 10 to December 22 "The problem of a painting is physical and metaphysical, the same as I think life is physical and metaphysical."1 – Barnett Newman On the crisp evening of November 10, I ventured toward a personal favorite haunt, Reynolds Gallery in...
Tucked back beyond the Native American exhibit at the VMFA is an homage for a favorite daughter of Richmond, VA. Willie Anne Wright, the artist featured, is currently 98 years wise and could not take my request for a conversation. She’s earned her rest. I was instead greeted in the gallery by Sarah Kennel, the curator of the exhibit. She has an...
The light is always perfect at the VMFA. Never really noticed until right now, as I walk into the glassy atrium. But yeah, first observation of the day. Just struck me. Thought I’d share. I’m with Monsieur Zohore, prolific artist and educator at VCU. He is so often traveling between his gallery residencies in LA, NYC, Paris and more,...
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is currently hosting a groundbreaking exhibition that sheds light on the early pilgrimage of one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, Cy Twombly. Born in Lexington, Virginia, Twombly's work has left an indelible mark on the art world, and this exhibition, titled Cy Twombly, Morocco,...
Christian Detres sat down with Paul Chan, a writer, artist and publisher to discuss the exhibit Paul Chan: Breathers he recently had go up at the Institute for Contemporary Art where it will stay until January 7th, 2024. Check it out here and read below for Christian's interview with the esteemed artist. CHRISTIAN DETRES: Hi Paul! I'm a big...
As autumn leaves crunch beneath footfalls on Broad Street, Richmond's Arts District readies itself for a vibrant night of cultural convergence. On November 3rd, the storied heart of downtown Richmond pulsates with an irresistible artistic energy during First Fridays. From 5 to 11 PM, galleries will fling open their doors, shopkeepers will offer...
As of September 1, the Institute of Contemporary Art has been hosting More Little Ditties, a video installation by Morgan Bassichis. It remains until January 4, 2024. Christian Detres sat down with the artist to discuss their collection and how it relates to everything from the collective trauma of COVID-19, to the ongoing conflict in Israel...
Richmond’s First Friday in October is far more than just an entry in the social calendar; it's an event that encapsulates the very ethos of the city. As the colors of fall unfurl across Virginia’s capital, Broad Street turns into a swirling kaleidoscope of arts, culture, and community spirit. It's a monthly tradition, yes, but October’s First...
