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Good Vibes: Edge Control

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Edge Control Vol. 2, curated by BALTI GURLS, reviewed by Sage Viscovi

I would not consider myself a huge partier. My weekends typically consist of lounging on the couch, stuffing my face with Cheetos, and making up new BuzzFeed quizzes rather than going out for drinks and dancing at the club. As of last week, I had nearly forgotten what it’s like to live in the global party scene, especially in Baltimore. However, the second edition of a recurring music and performance event called Edge Control beckoned me out into the night.

EMP Collective, located in the heart of Baltimore’s Bromo Arts District, is widely known for its gallery shows, workshops, film screenings, and performance events. Run by volunteers, the space has long strived to dedicate itself towards creating provocative and social experiences for its many patrons. One particular group went above and beyond to provide that experience for one night only in the midst of Black History Month.

promo

Turning two years old this year is BALTI GURLS, a collective “squad” of black and brown female-identifying artists who focus on new media and interdisciplinary practice. Their stated mission is giving a creative platform for women of color and cultivating a community of people who share that same goal. Most of their events are advertised via social media, which is how I found out about the event.

“There is a definitely a lack of space in the art community for women of color, and BALTI GURLS is working to make those spaces available,” said MICA student and BALTI GURLS member, Suldano Abdiruhman. “One of our main goals is to create safe spaces for women of color to express themselves no matter the medium, to push our voices to the front, and essentially represent ourselves. Our voices are so powerful and so important to our identity and the art world, and the only way for them to be heard is if we carve out these opportunities for ourselves. Edge Control is just one example of creating a platform like this.”

EC2 Balloons setupSetting up for Edge Control at EMP Collective

Upon entering the gallery, the scene was set in a sea of Technicolor. Members of BALTI GURLS and friends were busy adorning the space with brightly colored bulbs, screen-printed fabrics, and animated projections with a set of gold balloons spelling out “EC2” as a centerpiece.

In terms of fashion, the dream of the 1970s was alive and well at this celebration. It was halter-tops, bell-bottoms, platform shoes and big hoop earrings galore, which fit in with the psychedelic décor. As guests slowly moseyed into the space, EMP board member and designated “ring leader” of BALTI GURLS, Jenné Afiya Matthews, was a stellar emcee and kept the crowd fired up.

jenneBALTI GURLS “ring leader”, Jenné Afiya

DJ AmythsxDJ Amythsx playing some tunes Matthews, on stage

One standout performer was Ajane’ Whisonant, otherwise known by the stage name Killjoy, hailing from the Baltimore-Washington area. Her rap act filled the room with guests and had them all moving to a booming, infectious beat that accompanied her unreserved lyrics. The next several hours consisted of original hip-hop mixes with an occasional note of an R&B hit thrown in.

KilljoyBaltimore/DC rapper Killjoy’s set

Overall, the event from an attendee’s standpoint was a grand success. Although the event took a couple of hours to pick up, eventually it was easy to get into the groove and let loose to the thumping pulses that quaked under my bouncing feet. In my hand was a fruity concoction of spirits, and there was even a table selling quaint miniature red velvet cupcakes nearby.

“I think the even went great!” said Abdiruhman afterwards. “It was our second Edge Control, and so we were a little more comfortable with the space and what we needed to do to make it happen. We were working on a time crunch, but we managed to pull everything together and transform the space. The performers and vendors were fantastic, and so many people came out to support! There was an incredible turn out and everyone had a great time; energy was high and vibes were super positive!”

Here’s to hoping that BALTI GURLS will continue to host events like these as well as art exhibitions across the city of Baltimore. Talk about black girl power!

BALTI GURLS

The BALTI GURLS “squad.” From left to right:
(Top): Khadija Nia Adell, Stephanie Wallace, Jessica Hyman, Joy Postell, & N’Deye Diakhate. (Bottom:) Ashley Chambers, Jenné Afiya Matthews, Christianna Clark, & Chanel Cruz. (Not pictured: Ale Isabel & Suldano Abdiruhman)

More info: baltigurls.com / facebook / instagram / twitter

Author Sage Viscovi is a senior at the Maryland Institute College of Art and a student intern for BmoreArt.

Photos by Sage Viscovi

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