The art world has gotten its own reality competition show called “The Exhibit” on MTV and the Smithsonian Channel.
Atlanta’s Jamaal Barber, a printmaker by trade, is one of seven artists competing for a $100,000 cash prize and a special exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. The show debuted last Friday at 9 p.m. on MTV with a viewing on the Smithsonian Channel Tuesday at 9 p.m. New episodes will air on MTV starting this Friday at 10 p.m.
Each week, the seven artists are commissioned to create an art piece based on a theme and are judged based on creativity, execution and storytelling.
In the first episode in a challenge focused on gender norms, Barber created a charcoal painting blending different genders. Melissa Chiu, Director of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and lead judge, liked the “torn quality” shape of the painting.
“It feels literal and in that way, it feels heavy, redundant,” said judge Adam Pendleton.
The next challenge focused on social media. He created prints from linocuts that he dubbed an “Infinite Scroll.” The judges liked the concept but thought it could have gone bigger.
Good news for all the artists: the show does not eliminate anybody until the final episode.
“In the end, I just want people to see my work,” Barber said early in the first episode.
He is competing with a range of sculptors, painters and multi-media specialists.
Here is a quick look at Barber
Jamaal Barber
Residence: Atlanta
Hometown: Littleton, North Carolina
Age: 43
Family: married to STEM teacher Jennifer for 17 years and has two children
Profession: printmaker at Atlanta Printmakers Studio, an art school in Hapeville. He specializes in wood cuts, addressing issues about Black identity and social commentary. “I do gallery shows. I curate shows. I do a podcast. I teach. I do all kinds of stuff.”
How he got into printmaking: A graphic designer by trade, he saw a printmaking demonstration at a Binders art store in 2007 and was inspired to get into it.
Getting on the show: “I never thought they’d pick me. I just work in my basement printmaking. I’m not a superstar. This attention was brand new.”
On no artist getting eliminated until the end: “It relieved me. There’s not the same kind of pressure if something goes wrong. I get a chance to showcase what I can do.”
The tight deadlines: “I’m more used to having a certain amount of space and six months to come up with incredible stuff. Here, it’s in and out. On the one hand, it’s constrained. You can’t get the same level of work in eight hours vs. two weeks. But it allows a certain amount of creative freedom. You have fun and do what you can in the time given.”
IF YOU WATCH
“The Exhibit,” 10 p.m. Fridays on MTV and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on The Smithsonian Channel
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