The Baltimore Museum of Art is set to host a new solo exhibition titled “Jerrell Gibbs: Come home with me,” showcasing the work of Baltimore-based artist Jerrell Gibbs. This exhibition marks both a return to his roots and an exploration of personal themes.
Running from September 16, 2026, to May 2, 2027, the show will feature approximately 30 paintings inspired by Gibbs’ memories of childhood, relationships with family and friends, and the broader concept of home. Through these works, visitors will gain insight into the artist’s journey and intimate reflections.
Asma Naeem, the Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director at the BMA, expressed enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating, “The BMA has long championed Jerrell’s distinct vision and work. We are thrilled to present this major solo exhibition in his hometown, celebrating Black families and the richness of everyday life.” Naeem emphasized that “Come home with me” offers both an intimate glimpse into Gibbs’ artistic world and a tribute to the lasting impact of home and community, suggesting that many visitors will see their own stories reflected in this uplifting presentation.
Many of Gibbs’ paintings draw from the nostalgia and emotional resonance of family photographs. The artist also draws inspiration from renowned European and American painters such as Jean Siméon Chardin, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Henri Matisse, and Grant Wood.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore various “rooms” in Aunt Ella’s home, including areas like the porch, living room, backyard, kitchen, and basement. Each space provides context and understanding of the influences that have shaped Gibbs’ life and artistic path.
The porch, which Gibbs describes as “the home’s primary threshold,” invites guests to experience the warmth and comfort associated with the interior spaces. Notable paintings in this area include “Auntie’s Mother,” showcasing an elderly woman seated in a rocking chair outside a Baltimore rowhouse, and “American Colonial,” a reinterpretation of Grant Wood’s iconic “American Gothic” highlighting the essence of Black domestic experiences.
Moving to the “Living Room” section, visitors will encounter “Portrait of a family,” which depicts Gibbs’ immediate family. The artist describes family portraits such as this one as crucial in nurturing identity and belonging, turning the home into a place where legacy and history are ever-present.
In the “Backyard” area of Aunt Ella’s home, the painting “Chardin” illustrates a child joyfully playing with bubbles, with light refracting beautifully through the soap, symbolizing innocence and imagination.
Alongside the vibrant paintings, the basement section features family photographs that deepen the narratives surrounding Gibbs’ artistic work.
This exhibition is curated by Antoinette Roberts, who serves as the BMA’s Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art. The event has received support from the Nancy Dorman and Stanley Mazaroff Fund of the Baltimore Community Foundation, along with contributions from Amy and Marc Meadows.
