When an editor asked me what I thought about exploring what being a Black artist means as part of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s Spring Arts Preview, I jumped on the idea. I enjoy diving into artwork that feeds my soul and opens my mind to different perspectives.
I’ve seen some Black art in Tampa Bay galleries and museums prior to 2020, but never so much in such a short time. Last year alone, Bay area art lovers saw Derrick Adams at the MFA, Kalup Linzy at Gallery 221, “Eye of the Storm” at Café Hey and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and Black Lives Matter street murals painted in Tampa and St. Petersburg. And there’s even more exciting Black art coming up in 2021.
As a white person, I can’t imagine what it was like to be a Black artist in Tampa Bay in 2020. So for 2021’s Spring Arts preview, I talked to some folks who lived it.
I used to think that the best anyone can do in life is speak to their own experience and listen when others speak to theirs. But this year, thanks to Black Lives Matter protests across the country, I realized that I can do more. As a journalist, I can amplify Black voices, and that’s what I tried to do in this issue where I had the privilege of interviewing emerging artists Nick Davis, Melvin Halsey Jr., and Ashley Canay.
I saw them juggle candor with caution during these interviews in ways I hadn’t observed before. That, in itself, speaks volumes to what it’s like to be a Black artist in Tampa Bay. It’s hard to be yourself when your actions are under constant scrutiny.
Sometimes, sharing your story is an incredibly brave act, and I’m grateful to the artists who spoke up for this issue. Your stories are beautiful. I’m honored to be able to share them with Tampa Bay.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news on how Coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow @cl_tampabay on Twitter.
This article appears in Jan 28 – Feb 3, 2021.