There is nothing more precious and beautiful to witness as Black love. That is why the virtual exhibit from Chicago’s DuSable Museum of African American History’s Geoffrey and Carmen: A Memoir in Four Movements is a monthly favorite. From the website “This exhibition includes more than 90 paintings, sculptures, photographs, costumes, books and designs by the Tony Award-winning director Geoffrey Holder and his legendary wife, dancer/actress Carmen DeLavallade. All works in the exhibition were created by the couple whose combined years in the world of entertainment, art and culture total more than a century. The exhibition provides an intimate look at Holder & DeLavallade and their work as dancers, teachers, actors, choreographers, and multi-talented artists, but, also includes Holder’s gloriously colored paintings and his tributes to his family that make the exhibition personal and lively.
The exhibition is divided into four sections: “Theatre,” ”Art,” “Dance” and“ Design” and includes paintings, sculptures,and photographs highlighting the extraordinary careers of Holder and DeLavallade. Highlights of the exhibition include: costumes and sketches “The Wiz,” “Timbuktu,” “Dougla,” “The Prodigal Prince,” and “The Red Shoes” Archival footage of ballets and dances created and choreographed for The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Metropolitan Opera, and American Ballet Theatre; Archival Footage of Television Appearances, including: The Ed Sullivan Show, Playhouse 90, and Playboy After Dark; as well as items designed by Holder from their personal wardrobes which garnered the duo inclusion onto the International Best Dressed List and the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame.”
Here are beautiful images of these power house performers:
