A Celebration of Black Beauty
InLiquid Gallery’s “Brownin’” exhibition is a vibrant celebration of Black beauty, curated by Zindzi Harley. This showcase features five Philadelphia-based artists whose works explore the multifaceted nature of Black identity through a range of mediums, including multimedia and photography. The artists featured are Caff Adeus, Marcus Branch, Mikel Elam, Akria Gordon, and Yannick Lowery.
Harley’s artistic statement highlights that the exhibition invites Black viewers to see themselves through their own eyes while offering others a glimpse into the languages of admiration, care, and aesthetic possibility within Black communities. Walking through the exhibit is an experience that encourages slowing down and reflecting on each piece of art.
Yannick Lowery’s collage and cyanotype on fabric titled Till Evermore references the Haitian spirit Ezili Danter, known for protecting women and children. Lowery uses this reference to draw parallels between Emmett Till’s life and his own. Meanwhile, Caff Adeus presents a series of ink on archival prints of Black commercial ads, with one recurring statement: “This race of people do not present an increased risk of harm compared to other races.”
The exhibition is a journey that leads visitors in a full circle of thought-provoking work. “Brownin’” runs through May 23 at InLiquid Gallery, located at 1400 N American St. For more information, visit inliquid.org.
Very, Very Old Loaves of Bread at the Penn Museum
The next time you walk down the bread aisle at the grocery store, consider how a loaf of bread might look after 3,500 years. This question led me to the Penn Museum, where I encountered the “Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga” exhibit.
This exhibit showcases limestone statuettes, detailed ceramics, and rich paintings found in ornate burial chambers at Dra Abu el-Naga, a site first founded by 18th Dynasty rulers King Amenhotep I and his mother, Queen Ahmose-Nefertari. Between 1921 and 1923, Penn Museum archaeologist Clarence Fisher excavated the site, unearthing thousands of artifacts and paintings that needed documentation.
Before color photography, painting was the primary method of recording the colors of artifacts. Fisher enlisted Ahmed Yousef to document scenes from Theban tombs, creating reproductions that are sometimes the only evidence of certain tombs’ existence.
By the end of the exhibition, I found my answer to the mystery of ancient bread loaves. They were not fossilized bricks or blackened slabs but resembled half-baked mud muffins. Considering these loaves were made between 1,300-1069 BCE to sustain the spirit of the deceased, they might be the best afterlife treat one could hope for.
The “Ancient Egypt in Watercolors” exhibition runs through November 2026. Visit the Penn Museum at 3260 South St. for more details.
Jonathan Biss and Beethoven Real and Reimagined
Pianist Jonathan Biss delivers a compelling performance in the final release of his Beethoven/5 series, pairing a Beethoven concerto with a contemporary work. His interpretation of the Concerto No. 3 in C Minor with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra led by Malin Broman offers moments that make it impossible to hear the music the same way again.
Biss, a frequent performer with the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, brings both personal and authoritative depth to the music. Caroline Shaw’s Watermark, a 2019 piano concerto, reimagines Beethoven’s C Minor Concerto with patches and wisps of its themes woven throughout. Her meditative second movement explores various realms, showcasing her unique approach.
“Beethoven/5 Vol. 5” is available for download, stream, or purchase at prestomusic.com.
James Ijames’ ‘Wilderness Generation’
James Ijames’ play Wilderness Generation explores the bonds between cousins, a theme inspired by the shrinking family sizes and underexplored cousin relationships. Directed by Taibi Magar, the play follows four cousins helping their grandmother pack up her home, each dealing with their own baggage.
The ensemble delivered stellar performances, especially Jessica Johnson and Lindsay Smiling, who brought emotional depth and transformative energy to their roles. The gossipy scenes capturing family drama resonated deeply, mirroring real-life conversations.
Wilderness Generation runs through May 3 at Philadelphia Theatre Company, located at 480 S Broad St. For more information, visit philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
A Novel with a Surprise Philly Fashion Nod
Amy DuBois Barnett’s debut novel, If I Ruled the World, includes a surprising nod to Philadelphia’s Kirna Zabête boutique. Set in 2000, the story features the protagonist shopping for a crimson outfit at the newly opened boutique owned by Beth Buccini.
The novel, named after Nas’ 1996 single, has been adapted into a Hulu drama series. Buccini, now a mother of four, has expanded her brand to multiple locations, becoming a favorite among celebrities.
If I Ruled the World is available in all bookstores.
Lenny Kaye is ‘Goin’ Local’
Lenny Kaye, known for his work with Patti Smith and curating the Nuggets anthology, is set to release his first solo album, Goin’ Local. Featuring collaborations with Patti Smith, Matthew Shipp, and David Mansfield, the album celebrates local experiences and camaraderie.
Kaye will perform at Ardmore Music Hall on Thursday, opening for Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore. The event starts at 8 p.m. at 23 East Lancaster Ave., Ardmore. For more details, visit ardmoremusicalhall.com.
