The summer of 2024 was the hottest ever on record. So, it's fitting that this past July, Harlem's Dwyer Cultural Center debuted an intimate retrospective of Christopher Cumberbatch's multi-disciplinary artistic career. Specific individuals possess a rare ability to transcend category and excel across multiple creative mediums.

As an acclaimed visual artist and set designer for TV, film, theater, and interior decorator, Cumberbatch is one such visionary. The Parsons School of Design graduate's CV is an ode to Hollywood's A-list players and big studios, including Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, Michael Che, and Robert Deniro, as well as Netflix and 20th Century Fox, respectively.

Curated by Anderson M. Pilgrim, "A Contemporary Legend" is a comprehensive celebration of Cumberbatch's legacy. Pilgrim's curation showcases the artist's versatility and profound impact on the entertainment industry and fine art. Cumberbatch's ability to blur the boundaries between stage, screen, and canvas is a supernatural talent that has left an indelible mark on both these artistic realms.

His paintings, in particular, truly reflect his creative spirit. The exhibition features his most recent works, including pieces from "The Living Forest Collection." "The trees are people of color," Cumberbatch says. We are a connection to life and a life source. In us, you will find a deep-rooted beauty–that's what inspires me."

His exploration of the intricate relationship between humankind and nature is a testament to his powers of relatability. The themes of renewal, rebirth, survival, and thriving that he delves into resonate with all of us. Cumberbatch's purpose is clear: He wants you to connect to the work and feel the same sense of wonder and inspiration that he does. This is evident in his striking portrait of Simone Smith, a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.

A bone marrow cancer survivor, successful entrepreneur, and wife of hip-hop legend LL Cool J, Smith's narrative is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Self-determination is a consistent theme. "The Living Forest Collection," he explains, "explores the profound bond between humanity and the natural world, while the other half of the exhibition portrays images of Black women who are surviving and thriving despite adversity."

Equipped with a discerning eye and unbridled passion for art, Pilgrim expresses his enthusiasm for the exhibition. "Many art lovers may not be aware of Christopher Cumberbatch's superlative talents," he notes, "as his work has primarily provided the background for the worlds of film and theatre. I'm excited to work with the Dwyer Cultural Center in Harlem to present this remarkable artist's artistic brilliance and versatility."

The exhibition's last day is Saturday, September 28, 2024

Dwyer Cultural Centre, Use Entrance on West 123rd St., 258 St. Nicholas Ave, in Harlem.