Kriston Capps reviews a Johns Hopkins exhibition that highlights Baltimore-based artists, focusing on Derrick Adams's 2019 series "Deconstruction Worker." The series features portraits with skewed geometric forms and rich fabrics, referencing Dada, cubism, and contemporary Black artists like Mickalene Thomas and Lorna Simpson. The review positions Adams as a leading figure in contemporary painting.
The review matters because it elevates local artists within the context of a major university museum, challenging the art world's tendency to overlook regional talent. By connecting Adams's work to broader art historical movements and contemporary Black art, the article underscores how institutional exhibitions can reshape narratives and bring attention to artists who are setting the agenda today.