Housed in a large warehouse building, AAMARP is a collective of photographers, artists, and writers who are devoted to representing “the world as seen through the eyes of African-Americans.” A remarkable photographer I follow, Hakim Raquib, had posted about the collective’s latest show, and I went last week to see it.
This working space is full of studios in which artists are actively creating. I met the brilliant photographer Gloretta Baynes Cook, AAMARP Chair Emeritus and both an inspiration to and a pillar of the collective. She was kind to spend over an hour taking my friend and me around the two floors, introducing us to the breathtaking work of multiple artists, including the impressive photographic work of Hakim Raquib. The work of individuals in the group has been widely exhibited. For example, Gloretta and another AAMARP artist, Susan Thompson, have a joint show at JP Licks (Jamaica Plain) right now.
As a very special treat, Gloretta generously took us into her own studio to explain some of the processes she uses in her powerful, hard-hitting photographic creations.
Gloretta also described some of the background to the long-running campaign to hold onto the space, which is owned by Northeastern University. It is a shame that instead of basking in the pride of housing so many insightful and commanding artists of color, Northeastern seems to be more concerned about grabbing back this building.
This outstanding resource is located at 76 Atherton Street in Jamaica Plain, just a block from the Stony Brook T-stop.
Below are two images by Hakim Raquib on display.
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