Renowned for his transformative contributions to stage, screen, and design, Christopher Cumberbatch is currently showcasing a remarkable new exhibition at The Dwyer Cultural Center. This extensive exhibition, running from July 13 to August 30, 2024, provides a thorough examination of his diverse career, including his iconic set designs, interior designs, and fine art paintings. Notably, the exhibition features his celebrated “Living Forest” collection, which explores the crucial relationship between humankind and nature, with themes of “renewal and rebirth” and “survivors and thrivers.” A new highlight of the collection is a portrait of Simone Smith, a bone marrow cancer survivor who now operates a successful fashion business.
Cumberbatch is recognized as a visionary in multiple creative fields, having made significant contributions to stage, screen, interior design, and fine art. A graduate of Art and Design High School and Parsons School of Design, he has achieved considerable critical acclaim throughout his career. This exhibition showcases his work comprehensively, with pieces on display from July 13 through August 30.
His impressive career includes collaborations with major industry figures such as Netflix, Fox, Robert De Niro, Spike Lee, Kevin James, and Tonya Lewis Lee. Beyond his work in television and film, Cumberbatch has an established reputation in interior design and enjoys a global following for his fine art.
Previous exhibitions of his work include a showcase at The Poet‘s Den Theatre and Gallery in New York in 2013, a solo show at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza’s “Skylight Gallery,” and most recently, at the 14th Caribbean Fine Art Barbados in March 2024.
Christopher Cumberbatch comments on his new exhibition: “The Living Forest Collection has a deep connection between life, love, and people while the other half of the exhibits portrays images of Black women who are surviving and still thriving despite adversity.”
Anderson M. Pilgrim, curator of The Dwyer Cultural Center, remarks: “Many art lovers may not be aware of his superlative talents 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 the artistic brilliance and versatility of Christopher Cumberbatch.”
The exhibition, which opened on July 13, runs until August 30, from 1 PM – 6 PM.
Weekly viewing hours are Wednesdays from 6 PM – 8 PM and Saturdays from 3 PM – 6 PM, by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact 646-267-8831.
For more information, visit The Dwyer Cultural Center.
About the Curator:
Anderson M. Pilgrim is a noted curator and is President of Diaspora Now Inc., an artist management and exhibition production company. He is also the Executive Director of the Caribbean Fine Art Fair Barbados (CaFA), the Caribbean’s only fine art fair held within the region.
About the Dwyer Cultural Centre:
THE Dwyer Cultural Centre (DCC), opened in 2009, is dedicated to supporting Harlem artists and arts organizations throughout New York City and beyond. It is part of the International Communications Association (ICA), a non-profit 501(c)3 and NYS cultural and Educational organization founded in 1985. The centre presents live programming and exhibitions with independent producers and curators, community groups, and collaborations with other local and regional institutions.
The 6,500 sq. ft. facility is located at 309 West 123 Street/Ruby Dee Place in Harlem, New York.