AAMARP exhibit honors program’s founder

‘Reclamation’ features work of artist-activist Dana C. Chandler Jr. and others

Before finding its home in Jamaica Plain about two decades ago, the African American Master Artists-in-Residency Program was housed in a factory building on Leon Street and later moved to a space on Huntington Avenue. Through each move and passing decade, AAMARP has continued to provide artists with studio space and, most importantly, a supportive community.

Every few months, the program conceives a themed exhibit, displaying artworks from the various artists-in-residency. Currently showing at AAMARP is “Reclamation,” a mixed-media exhibit honoring the program’s founder, Dana C. Chandler Jr., an artist and activist who established AAMARP in the 1970s. The endeavor began simply as a gathering space for artists and subsequently became a Northeastern University-affiliated program.

“Emancipation,”reprographic, Dana C. Chandler Jr. BANNER PHOTOS

“It’s important to recognize and acknowledge those who come before you,” said Reginald “Reggie” Jackson, a professor emeritus of communications at Simmons University and acting director of AAMARP. He added that honoring Chandler’s work was crucial because the founder “started something that’s not replicated anywhere that I’ve been” when he created AAMARP.

The program’s two-floor space in a building on Atherton Street is brimming with artwork. The Dana Chandler Gallery, the primary location of the section of the “Reclamation” exhibit honoring Chandler, holds a collection of selected works by the artist, some black and white, others bursting with vibrant colors.

In other parts of the building, entire hallways and walls are adorned with works by AAMARP’s notable artists-in-residency: Gloretta Baynes, Jaypix Belmer, Marlon Forester, Ricardo Gomez, L’Merchie Frazier, Kofi Kayiga, Khalid Kodi, Bryan McFarlane, Hakim Raquib, Susan Thompson, Don West and Rene Westbrook.

“THE MEDITERRANEAN PASSAGE 1,” by Khalid Kodi PHOTO: COURTESY REGINALD JACKSON

Beyond being a tribute to Chandler, “Reclamation” is a visual statement about racism, discrimination, disparity and access. A dynamic mix of artworks — quilting, photography, painting, wood-burning and more — bring it to life. The exhibit, which Jackson called an “attempt to reclaim our history which we have been helped to forget,” is on display at AAMARP until April 27.

Kodi, a professor of the practice in the arts, media and design department at Northeastern University, has been an artist-in-residence at AAMARP since the 1990s.

“[AAMARP is] important because it’s a venue for the community from these neighborhoods to interact with the artists,” said Kodi. “This is a place that always opens [its] doors for student groups. Different community groups come and interact with the artists, learn from the artwork exhibited and learn from the artists.”

For the “Reclamation” exhibit, Kodi submitted art pieces and an installation centering on the trip African youth make across the Mediterranean Sea into Europe to flee hardship, many of them losing their lives along the way — a story he said echoes the experiences in the Middle Passage in some ways.

One of the pieces, “THE MEDITERRANEAN PASSAGE 1,” is a large acrylic painting depicting this harrowing journey. Against a blue background, dozens of figures wearing recognizable bright-orange life jackets wade in the waters between Africa and Europe, in a limbo between life and death.

Currently, the future of AAMARP hangs in the balance. Jackson said the program risks losing its Jamaica Plain space, owned by Northeastern University.

“I feel so blessed and fortunate to be part of this program,” Jackson said, adding that losing the space would be “devastating.”

He said he is hopeful that the energy within the community will keep AAMARP going and help the program continue its work of “creating an environment that is responsive to the needs of the community.”