The Evolution from the Trap Exhibition

The Evolution from the Trap Exhibition:

The exhibition was a collaborative effort between TMM Art Gallery and The NKA Gallery by S+H. It explored the duality of coming from nothing and using that as fuel for success, as well as one's growth from their lower being to their higher self. The exhibit featured talented artists and offered a curated expression of Evolution, combining art, music, drinks, and vibes. The exhibition ran from October - November 2021 and was sponsored by Grey Goose and Bombay Sapphire US. (click here for more).

Artist Reflection:

Trap music has had a significant cultural impact on American society, particularly among younger, more urban audiences. According to Forbes, Rap has surpassed Rock as America’s favorite genre, with Trap music significantly contributing to this trend. While growing up in the South, I watched this new brand of music take shape and enjoyed witnessing the distinctive sound come into its own. It’s hard to argue that Trap music represents a rambunctious and rebellious version of America, that most in mainstream society would rather ignore, but the stories and experiences that Trap brings to the forefront invite audiences to reconcile a post-Regan era and the systemic challenges of the African American community.

Reflecting on this exhibition, I was overcome with a sense of nostalgia, seeing as this was my first show in Tennessee, the state in which I graduated high school. This was the first time I’d ever gotten the opportunity to present artwork in a Nashville exhibit, and I was happier, even still knowing that it was a black-owned gallery within the heart of a black neighborhood. The evolution of the trap was also special for me because through this show not only was able to share my creations with the world and with my community I was able to reflect on my own experience in high school in Memphis, Tennessee, and the journey that took me to Morehouse College, New York City, and Wall Street, and back to Nashville as the Wall Street artist.

The Exhibition

For more information about the artwork that was featured in the exhibition click here.

Exploring Nashville

While I was in Nashville, one of the experiences that really brought this exhibit full circle was going to the National Museum of African American Music. If you haven’t been, I’d highly recommend it. The museum offered such an interactive and comprehensive experience that I can’t wait for my next visit. The museum also makes a great use of technology for patrons to: explore the vast archives of African American music of all genres, create their own music, and (best of all) save the music that they are have been listening to throughout the visit to a playlist for later!!! 10/10