Deep Ellum's vibrant music scene is under the spotlight at a photo exhibit capturing the raw energy of Dallas concerts. The Deep Ellum Art Co., nestled at 3200 Commerce St., is currently hosting 'Music in Frames: A Thousand Words of Sound', an exhibition that's all about celebrating local talent—both behind the camera and on stage. According to NBC DFW, the exhibit features the work of five photographers: Mike Brooks, Vera 'Velma' Hernandez, Carly May Gravley, Madison Raney, and exhibit curator Andrew Sherman who said he assembled "some of the best photographers that I know in town."
Images of renowned acts like The Toadies, Post Malone, and Erykah Badu, who Sherman refers to as the "Queen of the local scene," envelop the walls, and with them, a shared appreciation for Dallas' diverse music spectrum. The exhibit isn't just a walk down the memory lane of performances past; it's a testament to the photographers' talents, many of whom usually see their work relegated to digital platforms. "For a concert photographer these days, a lot of times you don't see your work in print," Sherman told NBC DFW. Photos from the exhibit can be purchased online, and Sherman has pledged proceeds from his Texas series and all of Brooks' photos to support Foundation 45, which provides mental health support for Dallas creatives.
Housed in an area often mired in conversations about gentrification and volatility, the Deep Ellum Art Co. alongside Kettle Art Gallery, remain beacons of hope for local creative spirits. As part of its commitment to the arts, 'Music in Frames' will run through March 9, giving ample time for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the standout moments captured by the lenses of North Texas' finest. In a statement obtained by the Dallas Observer, Sherman expressed a deep connection to the venue, recounting how it gave him his "first big break."
Sherman's ties to Dallas music don't end with photography; he's also the host of the Dallas Famous Podcast, a show that delves into the lives of figures who have shaped the local music scene. His transition from LA musician to Dallas photographer and podcast host illustrates a perpetual love affair with the music industry. "Between snapping artists on stage and interviewing them for his show, Sherman tries to get the full picture of Dallas music," the Dallas Observer highlighted. As the exhibit gains traction, its success signals a bright future for Dallas artists rejecting a "non-homogenized" existence, ensuring that as long as the music scene thrives, so will its dedicated documentarians.
