The Truth In This Art

12/21/2023

🎉 Celebrating Milestone Episode 700 as We Look Ahead 🚀

As 2023 draws to a close, I am thrilled to share that "The Truth In This Art" podcast has reached a monumental milestone - Episode 700! 🎙️🌟

Reflecting on this incredible journey, I am filled with gratitude for the diverse voices, inspiring stories, and the community that has grown with us. Each episode has been a testament to the power of art, culture, and conversation in shaping our world.

Looking forward, I am excited to announce the next season of the podcast. To bring this vision to life, we have launched a Fractured Atlas campaign. This initiative is not just about funding; it's about continuing our mission to delve deeper into the arts, explore untold stories, and connect communities through meaningful dialogues.

🔗https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/the-truth-in-this-art

Your support will help us elevate the platform to new heights, enabling us to produce content that resonates, informs, and inspires. Whether it's through contributing to the campaign, sharing this post, or simply tuning in to our episodes - your involvement makes a difference.

Here's to more groundbreaking conversations, insightful episodes, and a community that grows stronger together. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let's make the next season of "The Truth In This Art" podcast the best one yet!

There's art, community and culture in around around your city, you just have to look for it.

10/10/2023

Programming highlights for Friday, August 11th
11-Noon: The Truth In This Art - Rob Lee talks with Violeta Ayala, an exceptional artist who merges technology, storytelling, and culture to create riveting narratives. Violeta is a pioneer in filmmaking and a vocal advocate for her Quechua heritage. Her groundbreaking work redefines the art scene, filmmaking, storytelling, and technology. They discuss Violeta’s film, La Lucha, which will have its world premiere at the Black Star Film Festival in Philadelphia. Violeta introduces herself as a futurist and a weaver, who combines different mediums and technologies to create her narratives. She aims to break away
from colonial ideas and create a more inclusive and diverse storytelling landscape.
Noon-1pm: Democracy Now
1-2pm: The Germantown Artists Roundtable
2-3pm: The Science of Everything
4-5pm: Rising Tide - Today we speak with Marc Yaggi, Chief Executive Officer of the Waterkeeper Alliance, the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of clean water. We’ll talk about his and his organization’s history going back to exploring and protecting watersheds including the one that provides New York City with its drinking water. We’ll review some of this boat-based group’s victories from Atlanta to coastal Senegal and some of the ongoing challenges we all face from Supreme Court rulings to pollutants in our water and our blood. Still, be prepared for some hope.
8-10pm: Sessions - Deep House, Hip-Hop, Soul, Jazz and beyond.
Go to www.gtownradio.com for more programming information

10/10/2023

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Quentin Tarantino's iconic film, Kill Bill Vol. 1, with a special episode of "Let's Watch It Again" 🎬. I'm joined by Baltimore Beat's Dom Griffin as we dissect the film's complex characters, memorable fight scenes, and its enduring impact on cinema. Don't miss this cinematic journey that dives deep into a revenge tale like no other. Listen now on Let's Watch It Again 🎙️✌️🍿.

In Kill Bill Vol. 1, Uma Thurman delivers a knockout performance as The Bride, a former assassin who awakens from a coma and seeks revenge against those who wronged her. The film uniquely blends elements of wire-fu, Japanese cinema, and a heroine's relentless quest for vengeance.

🎬 Let’s Watch It Again here:
Instagram
Website
📺 Kill Bill: Vol. 1 Trailer

IMDb: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Google: 91%

For more deep dives into your favorite films, follow the links in the newsletter and be part of this enriching conversation around cinema and storytelling.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kill-bill-vol-1-20th-anniversary-retrospective/id1550318965?i=1000630868515

10/10/2023

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Quentin Tarantino's iconic film, Kill Bill Vol. 1, with a special episode of "Let's Watch It Again" 🎬. I'm joined by Dom Griffin as we dissect the film's complex characters, memorable fight scenes, and its enduring impact on cinema. Don't miss this cinematic journey that dives deep into a revenge tale like no other. Listen now on [Let's Watch It Again](https://letswatchitagain.transistor.fm/episodes/kill-bill-vol-1-20th-anniversary-retrospective) 🎙️✌️🍿.

In Kill Bill Vol. 1, Uma Thurman delivers a knockout performance as The Bride, a former assassin who awakens from a coma and seeks revenge against those who wronged her. The film uniquely blends elements of wire-fu, Japanese cinema, and a heroine's relentless quest for vengeance.

🎬 Let’s Watch It Again here: https://letswatchitagain.transistor.fm/episodes/kill-bill-vol-1-20th-anniversary-retrospective
📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kSuas6mRpk

IMDb: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Google: 91%

For more deep dives into your favorite films, follow the links in the newsletter and be part of this enriching conversation around cinema and storytelling.

06/30/2023

My favorite adult beverage from my favorite place .eatery

Y’all know my favorite non-adult bev is

06/28/2023

🎧🌟 Immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of music and creativity with host Rob Lee and the extraordinarily talented James Young on "The Truth in This Art" podcast! 🌟🎧

Join us in this captivating episode as we delve into James's mesmerizing background as a composer, improviser, educator, and show runner, and the profound influence of organized sound on his artistic journey. Together, we will embark on a journey through James's experiences from Texas to Baltimore, exploring the influential environments that have shaped his musical expression, as well as his collaborations with renowned institutions and festivals.

Prepare to uncover the innovative role James plays as the Artistic Director of Mind on Fire, a modular orchestra that celebrates living composers and advocates for accessibility to the arts. Delve into his creative process, discover his major influences, and witness the transformative power of collaboration within the artistic realm. We will also take a deep dive into the inspiring partnerships Mind on Fire has formed with somatic artists, poets, puppeteers, and filmmakers.

This episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone captivated by contemporary music, the beauty of creative exchange, and the visionary pursuit of nurturing its growth and impact. 🎶✨

🎧🌟 Help us elevate your podcasting experience by rating and reviewing this episode! Your support is immensely valuable to us. 🌟🎧

06/12/2023

Welcome to The Truth In This Art podcast! Our host, Rob Lee, engages in an illuminating conversation with acclaimed writer Greg Burnham, known for his captivating Tuskegee Heirs comic series and author of two notable children's books, "Broken Glass" and "Grandpa's Shoes."

In this inspiring episode, we delve into:

Greg's fascinating journey in the world of comics and writing. His inspirations and motivations behind pursuing this creative career.
The conceptualization process behind his work. We learn about the diverse characters Greg creates and understand the importance of representation in his storytelling.
The hurdles Greg has encountered in his career and his methodologies to overcome them. Greg also shares insightful advice for upcoming writers who may face similar challenges.
The impact of platforms like Awesome Con on creators. We discuss how such platforms offer an opportunity to showcase work, interact with fans, and connect with the community.
Greg's approach to preparing for Awesome Con and the convention season. He shares his strategies for ensuring a successful and engaging experience for both himself and his fans.
A sneak peek into Greg's exciting upcoming projects and collaborations. We also learn about his dream project that he wishes to undertake in the future.

This episode is a must-listen for comic enthusiasts, aspiring writers, and anyone intrigued by the creative process behind compelling storytelling.

🎧🌟 Please Rate & Review this Podcast to Support the Best! 🌟🎧

Don't forget to share your thoughts on this episode using the hashtag . Consider leaving us a review and subscribing to ensure you never miss an episode. Thank you for tuning in, and stay tuned for more insightful conversations on "The Truth In This Art."

This episode is brought to you by Awesome Con
Awesome Con is Washington DC’s Comic Con! It's a star-studded celebration of geek culture, bringing over 50,000 fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, television, toys, games, and more! Awesome Con is a creation of LeftField Media, an event company composed of passionate fans and experienced convention organizers.

06/01/2023

Tags 🏷️

East Baltimore
2023

05/29/2023

Per A Baltimore classic lol this painting is also featured in the Bennett Prize exhibition held at the ✨️

"Rob"
Oil on canvas
36in x 48in
2022

05/26/2023

🔊 New Episode Alert! 🎙️

Swipe to unravel the captivating artistic journey of sculptor J Alex Schechter! 🎨🔍

In Episode 88 of "The Truth In This Art" podcast, dive into Alex's profound influences, unique techniques, and deeper meanings behind his creations. Don't miss out on this brilliant artist!

Images

🖼️ The Bone of My Bones
🖼️ Prometaphase
🖼️ The Transcendent Nadir

Tune in now! 🎧✨

05/26/2023

🎙️ Speaking the Truth in This Art! 🎨✨ Your reviews on Apple Podcasts or Spotify play a significant role in elevating our visibility and spreading the magic of these captivating conversations with fellow creatives. Help us share the truth by leaving a review and be part of the movement. 🌟✍️

Art:

05/04/2023

Rob Lee & The Truth in This Art present "Do the Right Thing"
Attention all movie lovers and fans of "The Truth In This Art" podcast (www.thetruthinthisart.com)! Host Rob Lee is thrilled to partner with Pratt Library for a four-part Black Cinema Series at Pratt Library from March through June 2023. Join Rob for a night of trivia and conversation as he breaks down movies connected to Black history, culture, music and cinema. Tonight's presentation is Spike Lee's Oscar-nominated Do the Right Thing (1989, 2 hours; rated R), which portrays the escalating racial tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood on the hottest day of the summer. The outstanding cast includes Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and Richard Edson. The last film in the Black Cinema Series is Spike Lee’s He Got Game (June 22).

Thursday, May 25 at 5:30pm to 7:30pm

04/26/2023

Today at 530 sharp

Rob Lee & The Truth in This Art present "BlacKKKlansman"
Attention all movie lovers and fans of "The Truth In This Art" podcast (www.thetruthinthisart.com)! Host Rob Lee is thrilled to partner with Pratt Library for a four-part Black Cinema Series at Pratt Library from March through June 2023. Join Rob for a night of trivia and conversation as he breaks down movies connected to Black history, culture, music and cinema. April's presentation is Spike Lee's The BlacKKKlansman (2018, 135 minutes; rated R). It tells the real-life story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), an African-American police officer who successfully manages to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan branch in Colorado Springs, CO, with the help of a Jewish surrogate who eventually becomes its leader. The cast also includes Adam Driver, Laura Harrier, Alec Baldwin, Robert John Burke and Isiah Whitlock, Jr. The two remaining films in the series - also directed by Spike Lee - include Do the Right Thing (May 25) and He Got Game (June 22).

04/19/2023

Wordsmith is a multi-talented artist from Baltimore, MD who has made a name for himself as a songwriter, recording artist, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts (Music & Theater Arts) from Salisbury University and went on to open his independent label NU Revolution Entertainment, which has flourished with the help of distribution and licensing deals. Wordsmith has released 8 albums, won the Independent Music Awards for Best Rap/Hip Album, and is a member of the Grammy Voting committee. He has collaborated with the US Department of State to perform and hold workshops in multiple countries, and is an Artistic Partner with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, he wrote new narration for Carnival of the Animals with the BSO and hosted the 2018 BSO Gala. He has also opened his nonprofit “Rise with a Purpose, Inc.” and delivered a TED Talk via John Hopkins University. Wordsmith has collaborated with prominent acts in the Hip Hop industry and continues to push the boundaries of his career.

04/10/2023

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, a time to celebrate the art form and its cultural impact. To honor this occasion, I will be featuring interviews with Jazz musicians and champions on The Truth In This Art podcast. Join me in exploring the rich history and diverse styles of Jazz by clicking the link in the bio to listen to the podcast.

04/06/2023

Q+A with President of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives Kenneth B. Morris Jr.

In this episode of Truth In This Art, host Rob Lee interviews Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., a descendant of two of the most influential names in American history, Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. Morris is the cofounder and president of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, a nonprofit organization based in Rochester, New York, which is dedicated to anti-slavery and educational work. He has been recognized with numerous accolades and awards, including being a keynote speaker at the United Nations and receiving an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of La Verne in California. In this inspiring conversation, Morris shares his mission to build strong children and end systems of exploitation and oppression, emphasizing the importance of education as the pathway to freedom. Join us for this insightful and powerful conversation with a leader in the fight against exploitation and oppression.



🎙️
🗣️

03/09/2023

In this episode of "The Truth in This Art", host Rob Lee interviews Hrag Vartanian, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Hyperallergic. With expertise in contemporary art and its intersection with politics, Hrag shares insights on his journey as an art critic, curator, and lecturer. He talks about his founding of Hyperallergic in 2009 and how it has grown to reach over a million readers and listeners a month through its award-winning reporting, informed opinions, and quality conversations about art. Hrag also discusses his interest in decolonization and shares details about some of his notable curatorial projects, including the world's first multi-disciplinary exhibition of social media-related art. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the power of journalism and the cultural and economic realities that shape the world of art, culture, and politics.

About

Hyperallergic is an online arts magazine, based in Brooklyn, New York. Founded by the art critic Hrag Vartanian and his husband Veken Gueyikian in October 2009, the site describes itself as a "forum for serious, playful, and radical thinking".

🎙️
🗣️ Hrag Vartanian]
📸 Hrag Vartanian]

🎙️

03/08/2023

Tomorrow

Attention all movie lovers and fans of "The Truth In This Art" podcast (www.thetruthinthisart.com)! Host Rob Lee is thrilled to partner with Pratt Library for a four-part Black Cinema series at Pratt Library from March through June 2023, starting with Thompson’s 2022 Oscar-winning documentary, Summer of Soul. Summer of Soul reclaims the legacy of 1969’s Harlem Cultural Festival, which promoted Black pride and culture with musical performances by Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, the Chambers Brothers, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Sly & the Family Stone.

🎙️

03/04/2023

Roberto Max Dyea (Tsi YOO Nah), a tribal citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, Mesita, is a passionate Indigenous illustrator with a deep connection to his heritage. Born in Barstow, California, Roberto's love for Manga inspired him to create pieces that blend traditional Pueblo of Laguna pottery designs with contemporary storytelling. His scenario project, "Rage Against Mayhem," which began in 2018 in Redlands, California, showcases the creativity and vision of Indigenous manga characters in the 21st century.

Roberto's preferred mediums are ink, graphic, and colored markers, and he uses Adobe Photoshop and Procreate to bring his art to life. He is always experimenting with different line weights, forms, stencil techniques, and 2-D expressions to improve his work and have a meaningful interaction with his audience. Roberto's ultimate goal as an Indigenous artist is to have his name recognized and respected, and to continue to nurture a deep connection to his tribe, loved ones, and the culture of his people.

🎙️

03/04/2023

https://bmoreart.com/event/the-truth-in-this-art-summer-of-soul-screening

In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary—part music film, part historical … Continued

03/01/2023

Bag(s) secured.

Coffee ☕️

📸

02/27/2023

That’s a mighty fine cup of coffee ☕️

I’ve partnered with Ceremony Coffee Roasters to release a signature 🎙️ coffee roast.

EST 2002 Ceremony has had a passion for sharing amazing coffee, and this passion continues to drive them today. Every day they make small and deliberate choices to build and develop the quality of our coffees, our cafés, and their partnerships.

The Truth In This Art podcast
Through candid conversations with artists, curators, and a diverse array of creators, Rob's podcast explores the vibrant world of arts and culture with a focus on Baltimore and beyond.

10% of every 12oz bag sold and $1 from every pour over will be donated to the Baltimore Improv Group.

Find it in stores and online for a limited time 💙

02/26/2023

In this episode of The Truth In This Art Beyond: New Orleans, host Rob Lee interviews Basqo Bim. Basqo Bim is a Colombian-American multidisciplinary artist based in New Orleans with a focus on assemblage and sculpture. Their practice centers around the intentional antagonization of the tensions between their intertwining and conflicting needs, desires, paranoias, and nostalgias. Their intent is to explore their physical, mental, and psychological limitations in terms of the process of creation and manifestation of their work, and finding new ways to push past the existing boundaries into newer, unknown territories. Simultaneously, their practice revolves around fostering a meditative and healing form of art practice for themselves. Both of these opposing approaches work together to forge a space of internal dialectics in their practice and process, driven by a need to push every facet of their work to adverse extremes in each piece. Their desire is to offer new worlds to the viewer by reflecting their own tensions onto the viewer by utilizing a jarring shift from consensus reality, while also offering visual and psychological anchors rooted in familiar temporal and cultural reference points.



🎙️

02/21/2023

In this episode of The Truth In This Art Beyond: New Orleans, host Rob Lee interviews Lauren Ashlee Messina, a multitalented dancer, choreographer, and mentor. Join them as they delve into the world of dance and explore Lauren's passion for the medium.

About The Guest

Lauren Ashlee Messina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her craft, with a Master of Fine Arts in Dance degree from Belhaven University and additional training from the Ailey School. She has developed her artistry through collaborations with various dance companies and her choreography has been performed at prestigious venues around the country.

In addition to her work as a performer and choreographer, Lauren is also dedicated to dance education and accessibility. She is a mentor and advocate for the arts and a valuable asset to any dance project.

Join Rob and Lauren as they discuss the importance of dance education and Lauren's experience with the New Orleans School of Ballet, where they serve both children and adults interested in the exploration of classical ballet. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of dance and the power of the arts to inspire and empower.

About the New Orleans School of Ballet

New Orleans School of Ballet provides classical training to young people and adults in a supportive & nurturing environment. We serve two distinct groups, children and adults interested in the exploration of classical ballet and discovering the joy of dance and dancers in the serious pursuit of a professional ballet career.

New Orleans School of Ballet provides pre-professional dancers with rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, mentorship, and performance opportunities.
The School helps young dancers with exceptional potential, talent, and a strong interest in classical ballet find financial, developmental, and social support.

02/19/2023

Write 10 hashtags based on text: Join our community of art lovers and cultural enthusiasts! Listen to The Truth In This Art podcast, hosted by Rob Lee, to explore the world of contemporary art and cultural preservation. In each episode, Rob has candid conversations with artists, curators, and cultural leaders about their work and creative processes. You'll also hear from friends in other industries such as acting, music, and journalism.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art world. Subscribe to The Truth In This Art podcast today and join the conversation. Let's continue to learn, grow, and be inspired together!

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

02/18/2023

Highlight from this week

Ep 6, seasons 8 featuring Kip Omolade

🖼️ Diovadiova Chrome Kitty XV, Oil on linen, 18 x 24 inches

02/16/2023

Excited to announce the release of Ep. 3 of Season 8 of The Truth In This Art! This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the arts and culture and African American history and genealogy.

Join us as we explore the latest in the world of art and culture, and gain insights and perspectives from experts in the field. This episode features Chris Haley, a multi-talented individual who has made a name for himself as an Actor, Writer, Singer, Director, and Public Speaker in the fields of Black History and Genealogy.

In this episode, Chris shares his background in English and Drama and his experiences serving on prestigious boards such as the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, Historic London Town Foundation, Jake Savage Foundation, Annapolis Arts Alliance Foundation, and the Annapolis Film Festival. He also talks about his passion for Black history and genealogy and his dedication to preserving and promoting the legacy of his uncle, Alex Haley.

Listen in as Chris shares his expertise on African American history, self-empowerment, and genealogy, and his role as a respected speaker in the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in African American history and genealogy and for those seeking inspiration and guidance on self-empowerment.

Don't miss out on this inspiring episode of The Truth In This Art. Tune in now at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-in-this-art-exploring-arts-culture/id1497950772?i=1000598625657

02/01/2023

Thrilled to be interviewed about designing posters and putting together my new book Check out for this delightful interview filled with lots of laughing and good stories. Rob Lee is a talented dude and one of those people I actually want to hang with again. Link is in bio for the podcast and book info!

02/01/2023

‎Show The Truth In This Art: Exploring Arts & Culture, Ep Interview with Ayiana Viviana (The Truth In This Art Beyond : Philadelphia) - Jan 30, 2023