Masculine Landscape

“African American Representations of Masculinity” is an exhibit that, despite the sociological weightiness of its title, soars with the sheer variety of artists and works.

Over 60 pieces by 40 black artists are on display at three venues: the Museum of African American Art in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, the William Grant Still Arts Center and the Watts Towers Arts Center.

Rendered in paintings, sculptures, photographs and other media are takes on black masculinity, which here translate into landscapes that range from urban outposts such as barbershops to lush Southern countryside.

A free lecture will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Kinsey Auditorium of the California Afro American Museum, 600 State Drive, Exposition Park. Before the lecture, the documentary “The Fire This Time” will be shown.

Curator Cecil Fergerson said the exhibit seeks to counter stereotypes of black men with images too rarely put forth by the media: father, husband, son, provider, historical mover and shaker.

*

“African American Representations of Masculinity,” at the Museum of African Art in the Robinsons-May store, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza; the Williams Grant Still Arts Center, 2501 Westview St., and the Watts Towers Arts Center, 1727 E. 107th St. Through June 30.