The Lord Baltimore Hotel invites visitors to contemplate the artists’ worlds as universes in its next Good Taste art exhibition, “Seven Stars Between Two Skies,” a new body of work by Baltimore-born visual artist Mark Anthony West Jr.
West created the exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, and features portraits of American and Brazilian creatives envisioned as sovereign forces, powerful figures in complete command of their own universes.
Each “Seven Stars Between Two Skies” portrait has seven stars appearing both above and within each subject. The stars symbolize abundance, divine alignment, and the multitude of gifts within each figure. Shadows and silhouettes are layered to reflect the subject’s ability to “occupy multiple identities and realities at once,” according to the press release. A ribbon winds around each body, representing an invisible and universal spiritual connection to previous generations. West’s signature terra cotta noses and multicolored metallic leaf are present in this body of work, warming the portraits and infusing them with radiance.
West is a Baltimore-born artist, historian, curator, and storyteller based in both Downtown Baltimore and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In Rio, he directs Art Space Vidigal, an Afro-diasporic arts center. He crates immersive scenes based on blending historical research and personal travel, life in Baltimore, biblical and Afro-diasporic themes.
In 2018, the Lord Baltimore Hotel launched “Good Taste,” a rotating art exhibition series that highlights local artists. Some of the pieces have been added to the hotel’s permanent art collection. The hotel is owned by the Rubell Family, avid art collectors who delight in showcasing emerging artists. The hotel has 2,500 original works of art throughout the guest rooms and public spaces.
There will be an opening reception for the Good Taste Art Exhibition Series Featuring Mark Anthony West Jr., “Seven Stars Between Two Skies”, on April 1 from 5–7 p.m. at LB Bistro & Bakery in the Lord Baltimore Hotel. All artwork is available for purchase.
Admission to both the exhibition and reception are free. The reception will feature free light fare and discounted beverages.
The exhibit runs from April 1 through June 2026.
The Lord Baltimore Hotel is located at 20 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD.
