On View: May 1st - May 29th, 2022
at BPL Central Library | 10 Grand Army Plaza 

FREE Meet The Artist & Opening Exhibition: May 4th 5pm - 6:30pm

Our Photo Urbanism Fellow Barnabas Crosby's "Holding Court" is a portrait series about the “re-imagination” of Black entrepreneurship and community spaces. This exhibition redefines traditional portrait-making by utilizing a handball court as a backdrop. 

Limited by costs and social distancing requirements, COVID-19 proposed a challenge to Barnabas and fellow business owners. In response to this challenge, many entrepreneurs created innovative uses of public space to continue operating their businesses and serve their communities. Over the course of six months, Barnabas repurposed his neighborhood handball court as a photography studio. He invited local business owners to sit and join him in this exercise of “re-imagination.” The images in the series portray Black entrepreneurs with the intention of making room for play through reimagined settings and reimagined identities. Holding Court is a depiction of the resilience and ingenuity of entrepreneurs and the power of public space.

In celebration of Holding Court's opening week, Barnabas Crosby will be available to talk about his work and the inspiration behind the exhibition. Stop by the library on May 4th from 5 - 6:30 pm to view the exhibition and meet the artist.