Under the Influence at Paradigm Gallery

Paradigm Gallery presents Under the Influence, a two-person exhibition with the works of Eustace Mamba and Alain Jean-Baptiste, curated by writer and curator Ginger Rudolph, running from March 7 to March 30, 2025. Through painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and installation, Under the Influence examines the soul’s breadcrumbs—family histories, environmental upheavals, and personal triumphs—that guide these artists’ unique narratives, displaying a visual trail of resilience and transformation.

Mamba, known for his intricate fiber art and collage-based portraits, reconstructs traditional notions of Black American life, imbuing his characters and cityscapes with vibrant textures and materials that mirror the layered complexities of identity. His work is a blend of history, sociology, and psychology, making use of found materials—cigar wrappers, fabric scraps, and foil—to create a tangible representation of community memory.

Jean-Baptiste, in contrast, delves into personal and collective memory through his deeply emotive paintings. Growing up in Haiti before being displaced by the catastrophic 2010 earthquake, his work reflects the upheaval of leaving behind a homeland and the struggle of assimilation in a new country. His Grass series, a focal point of Under the Influence, features portraits of Haitians at rest, lying on endless fields of rice grass. This imagery, rooted in both personal recollection and collective trauma, reimagines those lost to the earthquake, not as victims but as figures of peace and resilience.

The juxtaposition of Mamba and Jean-Baptiste’s works creates a compelling dialogue on identity, migration, and how external forces mold personal and artistic growth, leaving you to ponder upon your own influences and experiences in the totality of you.

Under the Influence will be on exhibit on the second floor of the Paradigm Arts Building, located at 12 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. This deeply personal yet universally resonant exhibition is a must-see for those seeking to engage with art that speaks to the intersections of culture, identity, and resilience.

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Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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