A mural by Baltimore artists Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn, who, along with Robby Rackleff, are transforming the WTMD Studios with “Test Patterns.”
Artists Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn have turned outdoor public spaces into vibrant works of art, and video artist Robby Rackleff has transformed pure color into complex animation.
Now, they’re re-imagining the WTMD Studios with a new art exhibit, “Test Patterns.” It’s a partnership between WTMD and BmoreArt, curated by Alex Ebstein and featuring screen prints, murals, batiks and videos.
The opening reception is 7 p.m. Friday November 7 at WTMD, with a free performance by Baltimore electro-pop duo Chiffon.
“Baltimore has some of the most exciting art and music in the country, and with ‘Test Patterns,’ we’re thrilled to be able to showcase some of it at WTMD,” said Sam Sessa, WTMD’s Baltimore music coordinator.
Unterhalter and Truhn are preparing four batik pieces, which will be hung around the studio, as well as a series of mono screen prints and a site-specific mural. Rackleff’s videos are experiments in the compression effects of video editing programs.
“Jessie and Katey are travelling the world to make their colorful, pattern-based murals — and their recent Open Walls 2 Mural was a standout,” said BmoreArt editor Cara Ober. “Combining their work with Robby Rackleff’s color-based abstract video creates an immersive, powerful experience.”
“Test Patterns” is the second collaboration between WTMD and BmoreArt. The first was “Everything On It,” an installation exhibit featuring works by Andrew Liang and Zoe Friedman last spring.
Video artist Robby Rackleff is heavily inspired by video games.
“WTMD is all about bringing together like-minded artists and music lovers,” said Scott Mullins, WTMD’s program director. “Our first installation exhibit got a great response from our listeners and the Baltimore art community, and we can’t wait to see what people think of ‘Test Patterns.’”
“Test Patterns” runs through Dec. 19 at WTMD, 1 Olympic Place in Towson. The exhibit is made possible by New Belgium Brewing.
Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn have been collaborating on large-scale murals, installations and sculpture since 2001. They have participated in several street art showcases, including Baltimore’s Open Walls, Atlanta’s Living Walls Conference, Rochester’s Wall Therapy, Richmond’s RVA Street Art Festival, and most recently, POW! WOW! Hawaii. Their work has been exhibited as part of Art Basel Miami’s Wynwood Walls Show, Women on the Walls as well as at The American Alliance of Museums Conference in Baltimore, MD. Their dynamic paintings often incorporate recycled materials and break traditional mural format, spilling onto the ground.
Robby Rackleff is a Baltimore-based multimedia artist whose work is heavily inspired by video games and gaming culture
