DELITA MARTIN: CALLING DOWN THE SPIRITS @ NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS

Texas-born Martin draws on African tradition and personal experiences for large-scale prints onto which she not only paints and draws, but—in a process she likens to her grandmother’s quiltmaking—sews and creates collages. According to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Martin “claims space for her subjects, particularly black women, creating a powerful presence that simultaneously highlights the historical absence of black bodies in Western art.” This exhibition features seven of Martin’s massive works.
Jan. 17–April 19 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. $10

ROMARE BEARDEN: ARTIST AS ACTIVIST & VISIONARY @ THE DAVID C. DRISKELL CENTER

This exhibit at the University of Maryland features 45 works by the 20th century African American artist, including collages, watercolors, drawings, prints, and editorial cartoons. According to the museum, the exhibition focuses on works in which Bearden “explored race and racial stereotypes, often taking inspiration from history, literature, the Bible, jazz, the African American community, and his imagination.”
Jan. 30-May 1 at the David C. Driskell Center, University of Maryland. Opening reception Jan. 30 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. FREE

SEARCH PARTY FOR TWO @ IA&A AT HILLYER

Born in Indiana, Tessa Click relocated to D.C. in 2012. In this playful body of mixed-media paintings and structures, she uses whimsical characters and bright colors to connect to the real world. As Hillyer puts it, “these mixed-media paintings and structures invite the viewer to consider concepts of potentiality and agency in uncertain times.”
Through Feb. 2 at IA&A at Hillyer. FREE.

MARK PARASCANDOLA @ POLITICS AND PROSE

D.C.-based photographer Parascandola is fascinated with how movies tell stories about history and the world. The photographer follows his 2017 monograph Once Upon a Time in Almería—which  documented Hollywood’s extensive use of locations in southeastern Spain during the 1960s and ‘70s—with Once Upon a Time in Shanghai, a study of the massive Chinese film industry. The artist will talk about his work and sign books at this event.
Jan 9 at 7 p.m. at Politics and Prose at Union Market. FREE

HEROES & LOSERS: THE EDIFICATION OF LUIS LORENZANA @ AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

Luis Lorenzana was born and raised in Manila and attended one of the city’s elite schools. He served on the Philippine Senate from 2001-2004. But, disillusioned with systemic corruption, Lorenzana left politics and turned to a fantastical art fueled by his experience in public service. This exhibition features four portraits Lorenzana created depicting some of his country’s iconic national heroes, including novelist and activist José Rizal, pictured above as, in the museum’s words, “an outer-space avenging angel inspired by B-movie posters, heaping destruction on the country’s presidential palace.”
Jan. 25-March 15 at the American University Museum at The Katzen Arts Center.  FREE

RECLAIMED REUSED REPURPOSED @ STUDIO GALLERY

This group show curated by Molly Ruppert will be the first of a series of exhibitions that address the climate crisis. This show features sustainable art created from recycled and discarded materials. Featured artists include Jessica Beels, Robin Bell, Julia Bloom, Gloria Chapa, Pat Goslee, Liz Lescault, Glenn Richardson and Erwin Timmers.
Through Jan. 25 at Studio Gallery. FREE

GRAPHIC NOVEL: A (NORTH) KOREAN STORY @ LOST ORIGINS

Song Byeok was a propaganda artist for North Korea before he turned to political satire. This new body of work places his satirical pieces alongside images of real people in North Korea, creating a stunning contrast.
Jan. 11-Feb. 23 at Lost Origins Gallery. FREE

ART DOLLS: FIGURATIVE SCULPTURES TELL A STORY @ SANDY SPRING MUSEUM

PRESENT TENSE: DC PUNK AND DIY, RIGHT NOW @ TRANSFORMER

Raised in Seattle and the D.C. suburbs, music and documentary photographer Farrah Skeiky celebrates the continuing DIY and punk spirit in the nation’s capital in this exhibit, spanning six years of photos. Her book Present Tense: DC Punk and DIY Right Now will be published in February.
Jan. 18-Feb. 29, 2020 at Transformer. Opening Reception Jan. 18, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. FREE.