Join us Saturday, July 5 for the opening of You See Where I’m Coming From?, proudly presented by Chela Mitchell Gallery, a bold new group exhibition curated by the visionary collective League OTO, and conceived in collaboration with acclaimed rapper and DC native Shy Glizzy.
Running from July 5 to September 6, the exhibition presents an immersive narrative of Glizzy’s life, charting his evolution from Southeast DC to global recognition. Through the lens of seven multidisciplinary artists, the show unpacks themes of identity, resilience, transformation, and the complexity of Black experience in America. Blending contemporary art and hip-hop storytelling, You See Where I’m Coming From? positions Glizzy’s story as both personal and universal, with each artist contributing a unique visual chapter across media, including painting, photography, sculpture and installation.
Featured Artists
• Darin Cooper – Gritty, stylized portraiture that evokes the emotional rhythm of Black urban life in D.C.
• Raelis Vasquez – Rich oil paintings exploring diasporic memory and Afro-Caribbean identity.
• Jewel Ham – Visually lush works centering Black femininity and self-awakening through surreal, digital-painterly forms.
• Nate Langston Palmer – Sculptural and performative explorations of masculinity, memory, and transformation.
• Lex Marie – Autobiographical installations honoring Black motherhood and generational storytelling.
• Lauryn Levette – Conceptual photography critiquing surveillance, digital beauty standards, and bodily autonomy.
• Khari Turner – Spiritually infused portraits using water from sacred and historic Black geographies.
You See Where I’m Coming From? is more than an exhibition—it’s a visual memoir, a tribute to perseverance, and a cultural convergence. Each artist interprets a phase of Shy Glizzy’s journey, from struggle to stardom, illuminating broader dialogues around fame, race, and selfhood.
Curated by League OTO, the project amplifies how art and hip-hop serve as powerful storytelling tools—and how community, memory, and creative expression intersect. Chela Mitchell Gallery continues its mission to uplift underrepresented voices by hosting this first-of-its-kind collaboration between a hometown music icon and a new generation of artists.