African-American icons in art for the Millennial generation

Wilmington native Alim Smith, a young artist who goes by the name YesterdayNite, is mounting a special one-day-only exhibition of his “In Living Color” 30-piece solo show, which is “reimagining Black History through art.”

During February of this year, YesterdayNite felt like the usual pre-1980s focus of Black History Month doesn’t leave enough space for contemporary inspirations alongside the historical ones we’re used to celebrating. Now in his mid-twenties, the artist wanted to explore what Black History Month could look like to kids of the '90s. It’s his first show in Philadelphia.

“This is what my black history month looks like,” he says. His colorful portraits feature personal inspirations like Missy Elliott, Will Smith as the Fresh Prince, Andre 3000, Erykah Badu, and many others.

If the artwork is as bold and insouciant as the vision on his website, it’ll turn some heads.

YesterdayNite hates “really wack abstract art that takes four seconds to make, and can sell for a gabillion dollars,” he insists. “Art school bothers me because it turned a good peaceful practice into competition…which isn’t healthy, and I’m still trying to break down that mindset.”

The show is happening April 11 at The Loom: Richmond Mills, a former carpet manufacturing warehouse in Port Richmond that’s been reborn as a 250,000-square-foot rental space housing lofts, artist studios, offices for various small businesses, and warehouse space.

According to The Loom, they specialize in providing affordable spaces for the creative industry and young companies, with studios “perfect for artisans, manufacturers, visual artists, musicians, and makers across all sectors.”

YesterdayNite’s “In Living Color” is coming to The Loom: Richmond Mills, 3245 Amber Street, Philadelphia, on Saturday, April 11 from 12-8pm ($10). For tickets, click here.

At right: a YesterdayNite painting inspired by the 1993 film Poetic Justice, starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur.