The Late, Great LeRoy Foster... /  by Christopher Batten

The Metro Times Detroit just released an excellent article on the work and life of LeRoy Foster; A legendary artist who paved the way for future generations of realist painters in Detroit. I was able to comment on his influence relative to my development, in the article. There is also an incredible exhibition of his work running in conjunction with Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit, titled LeRoy Foster: Solo Show. Follow the links below for the article and information on the fantastic exhibition of his work.

https://www.metrotimes.com/arts/former-cass-tech-teachers-secretly-rescued-a-leroy-foster-painting-from-the-schools-old-building-now-its-on-display-at-cranbrook-34524773

https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/exhibition/leroy-foster-solo-show/

Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit /  by Christopher Batten

On October 28th, Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit opened at the Cranbrook Museum of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The exhibition was beautifully curated by Laura Mott and Mario Moore and features work by myself, Taurus Burns, Cydney Camp, Ijania Cortez, Cailyn Dawson, Bakpak Durden, Conrad Egyir, Jonathan Harris, Sydney G. James, Gregory Johnson, Richard Lewis, Hubert Massey, Mario Moore, Sabrina Nelson, Patrick Quarm, Joshua Ranier, Senghor Reid, Jamea Richmond-Edwards, Rashaun Rucker, and Tylonn J. Sawyer. The exhibition runs through March 3rd, 2024. If you find yourself in Southeast Michigan anytime soon, this exhibition is a must see. Follow the link below for more information.

https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/exhibition/skilled-labor-black-realism-in-detroit/

Check me out at Art on Paper New York!! /  by Christopher Batten

I’m excited to share that Catalyst Contemporary Gallery will be taking a selection of works by myself, Inocencio Jimenez Chino, William S. Dutterer, Artemis Herber, Kei Ito, Ajay Malghan, Caryn Martin, James Von Minor, Natalie Obermaier, and others to Art on Paper New York 2023. The gallery will be exhibiting in Booth D13. The fair runs from September 7th-10th at Pier 36 (299 South St, NYC 10002). Visit the links included in the text for more information on my gallery and the fair. Check it out!!!

Check me out at C. Grimaldis Gallery!! /  by Christopher Batten

I have 2 paintings featured in C. Grimaldis Gallery’s Summer ‘23 exhibition. The show features works by myself, Chul Hyun Ahn, Anthony Caro, Erin Fostel, Grace Hartigan, Heejo Kim, Eugene Leake, Ben Marcin, Jane Manus, Giorgos Rigas, Bill Schmidt, and Alexey Titarenko. Summer ‘23 runs through September 16th. Check it out!!!

Check me out in "Manifest Presence" at Catalyst Contemporary Gallery!! /  by Christopher Batten

My work is currently on display alongside Damon Arhos, Joan Cox, William S. Dutterer, Kate Kretz, and Thiang Uk in Manifest Presence at Catalyst Contemporary (Baltimore, MD). This exhibition of contemporary figurative painting runs through January 7th. A review of the exhibition is included in the article linked below. Check it out!!

https://bmoreart.com/2022/12/gallery-roundup-the-parlor-c-grimaldis-gallery-and-catalyst-contemporary.html

Image courtesy of Catalyst Contemporary

Image Courtesy of Catalyst Contemporary

Image Courtesy of Catalyst Contemporary

Check me out at Art Miami 2022!! /  by Christopher Batten

As a newly added artist to Catalyst Contemporary Gallery’s roster (Baltimore, MD) I’ll have work being exhibited in Art Miami 2022. My work will be displayed in booth AM 544 alongside works by Damon Arhos, Alberto Cavalieri, Se Jong Cho, William S. Dutterer, Sebastian Martorana, and Kate Norris. I’m so excited to have this opportunity! Follow the links below for more information…

https://www.catalystcontemporary.com/artmiami2022

https://www.artmiami.com/dealerdetails/923/catalyst-contemporary

Detroit Expat Artists: Homecoming!! /  by Christopher Batten

On September 23rd, Detroit Expat Artists: Homecoming opened at the Detroit Artists Market. The exhibition was curated by Stephanie James and Elizabeth Youngblood and features work by myself, McArthur Binion, Melvin Clark, Al Loving, Artis Lane, Joshua Newth (postcard image), and a host of other artists who were cultivated by Detroit. The exhibition runs through October 22nd!

Check out my current solo exhibition, titled "The Eye of the Tiger"!! /  by Christopher Batten

I am excited to be a part of The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) second installation of the Emerge Baltimore artist series at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, curated by Kirk Shannon-Butts. The second installment of this series features me, visual artist Bria Sterling-Wilson, and glass artists Zach Wade and Mitchell Noah.All four artists’ narratives will unfold simultaneously across the three galleries at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower from June 9 – August 28, 2022, with an opening reception on Thursday, June 9.The Emerge Baltimore artist exhibition series is a continuation of BOPA’s efforts to raise the profiles of promising Baltimore artists, along with the city itself, as a vibrant destination for working creatives.In the Mezzanine Gallery my exhibition, “The Eye of the Tiger,” is based on my love of martial arts, juxtaposing conflict and resilience.

Portrait of Elijah Cummings Installed in its Permanent Home!! /  by Christopher Batten

Elijah Cummings, oil and aerosol on canvas, 36in x 48in, 2021

Commissioned portrait of the Honorable Elijah E. Cummings for Johns Hopkins University!! /  by Christopher Batten

Last summer, I was chosen by a panel consisting of JHU faculty, admin, students, and Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings to create a portrait of the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings to be displayed permanently/prominently at the University’s Milton S. Eisenhower Library. The piece was unveiled on 1/20/2022 at Henderson Hopkins Elementary/Middle School. Explore the links below for several stories on the unveiling and other events to follow.

https://hub.jhu.edu/.../elijah-cummings-portrait-unveiled/

https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2022/01/20/johns-hopkins-university-unveils-portrait-of-elijah-cummings/?fbclid=IwAR09Wf3cqcjsq9J4ZOk7WBNme8FEd1hAe8DSpsWsfjpn36tidgfl98E2ILo

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/elijah-cummings-portrait-johns-hopkins-university/38828478?fbclid=IwAR13X9ouL2JIVg8hyyorqFo1JYWmc2Ux0jL_PXYm2PR7pkXVDQQ-8VJz6V4

https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/johns-hopkins-honors-the-late-elijah-cummings-with-portrait


Mural at Baltimore's Oriole Park at Camden Yards!! /  by Christopher Batten

I was recently invited by artist, Ernest Shaw to join him in the creation of a mural at Camden Yards that pays tribute to the Baltimore’s Negro League team (and the Negro Leagues overall). Special thanks to artist/muralist, Gaia and the Baltimore Orioles! Follow the link below to check out the interview Ernest and I did about the process of creating the mural.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUYLYXLJBBF/?utm_medium=share_sheet

I've been juried into New American Paintings!! /  by Christopher Batten

I’m excited to announce that I’ve been selected to be included in New American Paintings: South, Issue #154. This year’s South Regional Competition was juried by Molly Boarati, Assistant Curator at Nasher Museum of Art, Duke University.

Screen shot of the notification email I received today.

Screen shot of the notification email I received today.

New Series of Drawings Coming Soon!! /  by Christopher Batten

The inability to see and spend time with loved ones (my family and friends) as much as I used to, caused by the current pandemic has definitely triggered heavy introspection. Though I’ve always valued my family and friends, I’ve come to be thankful for them to immeasurable levels during this time. My new series of drawings titled Prized Profiles explores the love and appreciation I have for those close to me…those who won’t hesitate to help, check on my well-being, or provide words of encouragement. Here’s a glimpse at the series…

Prized Profiles #2 in progress

Prized Profiles #2 in progress

Prized Profiles #1

Prized Profiles #1