Lauren R. Lyde | The View From Here

On View May 12 - August 21

A daughter of Baltimore City ascends to the top of the world with her solo art exhibition, “The View from Here.” Opening on Thursday, May 12th at 6:00PM in the Top of the World Observation Gallery located on the 27th Floor of the Baltimore World Trade Center, “The View from Here,” unfolds Lyde’s excursions in childhood and self-discovery growing up in West Baltimore.

“The View from Here” is an evolution of a body of work, Lyde is continuing to actualize throughout the series. The foundation of the artwork is childhood and her “Dream Chaser” series. The work presents images, scenes, and the activities in the world of children. The imagery is a journey in childhood self-actualization and a youthful appreciation and approach to life. “Starting with the young people I teach art, my work is an open invitation for re-imaging how we connect with young people in our communities through the arts.”

Working in oil and charcoal on canvas most of the work was created between 2020 and 2022 from a corner of Lyde kitchen during the pandemic. “The themes that I am most interested in exploring in my work are those that foster patience, kindness, consideration, and a regard for others regardless of the identity or life circumstances,” continues Lyde.

"Another of Baltimore’s unsung creative, Top of the World is the perfect positioning for Lyde’s artistry and vision. I have travelled to Africa, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and all over the United States, and Lauren’s paintings of children is unparallel. Whether the child is swimming, fishing, or holding onto a parent, the level of love and consideration for the most essential of us, the child, is so beautifully actualized and on full view for the audience,” says, Curator, Kirk Shannon-Butts.

Lyde studied at the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, DC, Pratt Institute in New York City, holds a Bachelor of Arts from Towson State University, and a Master of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her work has been shown at Maryland Art Place, the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center in Baltimore, Maryland, BSB Gallery in Trenton, New Jersey, and Harmony Hall Arts Center in Fort Washington, Maryland.