Photojournalism, vibrant self-portraits, radical graffiti art and several other art forms decorate Imperfect Gallery’s walls this December.
Germantown residents and December’s exhibition artists gathered last Wednesday night at Germantown Avenue’s gallery for an Artist Talk, a traditional gallery program where artists explain their work.
Renny Molenaar, the Imperfect Gallery owner, said the featured artists are, “as hardcore as Germantown gets.”
The exhibition included four local artists whose presence also graces the neighborhood. “They’re involved in the street, involved in the issues, in what has happened here,” Molenaar said. “They live and breathe Germantown.”
Joesph Edgerton Krause, Carlito Cruz, Nomad and Edwin Einbender Luks are December’s featured artists. Wednesday night was an opportunity for each artist to explain their art pieces, thought process behind their craft and inspiration.
Art lovers filled the room and fellow artists. Janelle Smith is a local Philadelphia artist and attended the event after meeting several of the artists. She said the relationship between the neighborhood and the artist is evident.
“The artist that I’ve spoken from this particular show are very much loved, and love this place,” Smith said. “They love Germantown a lot and I think that comes out a lot in the things they say and the work they present.”
Cruz filled the room with laughter, talented lyricism and vibrant self-portraits. Cruz insists each self-portrait represents different aspects of his personality. Additionally, he featured Maplewood Mall in his exhibit. Cruz saved several bricks from the current reconstruction and placed them in his exhibit.
Luks took viewers on a journey through his photojournalism exhibit titled, “From Germantown to Ukraine.” Luks showcased photos from various cities in Ukraine, showing the “true spirit of the people.”
Krause is responsible for exhibiting a mixed-art installation in the “THe ReDRooM, also the restroom and challenging exhibit to complete. His various forms of art covered the bathroom in almost every inch with intricate details. Although his exhibit was challenging, Krause wants viewers to understand, “what it’s like to think outside of your perspective,” when they view his exhibition.
The fourth artist, Nomad, was not in attendance Wednesday night. The artist exhibited several art mediums, including various clothing articles and political graffiti art. Nomad is most known for his graffiti art that celebrates Black people and challenges gentrification.
The gallery’s exhibition will last until Dec. 28.
