Crosstown Arts presents the Artist Talks: Melissa Dunn, Kevin Brooks, and Michael “Birdcap” Roy in The Galleries.

The East Atrium at Crosstown Arts
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Talks: 1-3 pm
Tickets: Free and open to the public

Current exhibiting artists Melissa Dunn, Kevin Brooks, and Michael “Birdcap” Roy will discuss their work, processes, and influences. It’s a chance to get a special glimpse behind the curtain and better understand the art and the artists.

The Earthworm and the Hawk is the overlap between two states of being. In the private and non-verbal world of Melissa Dunn’s sketchbook, she burrows deep, generating drawings intuitively from her imagination. As the pages fill up, she steps back and shifts perspective, becoming more objective. The lay of the land comes into sharp focus. Here she maps out, poses questions, and acts decisively.

What were you meant for? is an art exhibition that delves deep into the world of film to uncover the seldom-seen layers of Black male identity. It navigates a tapestry of scenes that bring to the forefront the poignant battles between vulnerability and societal expectations, challenging the confining boxes of toxic masculinity. Through curated cinematic moments, the exhibition forces viewers to confront their own biases and question ingrained beliefs about strength, resilience, and emotional depth.

Iliumpta is a retelling of Homer’s Iliad set in the Southernmost bayous of Mississippi. Named after the county the story takes place in, Iliumpta draws comparisons between masculinity in the American South and the sandaled heroes of yore, often pointing out the weakness in a regional outlook that insists on staying put during hurricanes.