Watch CBS News

Local Artist Who Captured Baltimore Unrest On Camera Sharing His Work

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Capturing history as it happens. One man saw the unrest that followed Freddie Gray's arrest and then his death unfold in Baltimore and decided to capture those images on his camera.

Marcus Washington explains now he's sharing that history with the world.

They are the moments that mark a trying time for Baltimore City; a time of pain and uncertainty; a time full of emotions many people often want to forget.

But in the midst of the unrest that followed the arrest and later death of Freddie Gray, one man armed with his camera captures what is now a piece of Baltimore's history.

"The protests, the riots that occurred and everything else in between," said artist Devin Allen.

Allen, a 27-year-old Baltimore native, is showcasing his work during his first solo exhibit held at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in downtown Baltimore.

"This project, this is my baby. This is my way I show support to the city and inspire the city and document what really happened," he said.

His images--enlarged to cover 20-foot walls--17 portraits in all.

"There will be spaces along the wall where people can write in chalk their reactions," said Helen Yuen, Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

It's a historical moment for both the museum and Allen, as it debuts the museum's community space that provides a platform for community engagement.

"I want people to talk. I want people to interact. I want to change views. I want people to really feel something from my work, but I also want to inspire the youth. That's my biggest thing because they are the future," said Allen.

Allen's showcase will run July 10 through December 7 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

On July 11, you can meet the artist himself as he talks about his work and answers questions.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.