MUSICANDART: An exhibit at the Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center will feature paintings and photography that captures the essence of black music.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAI D AND DAVID MUIR

POMPANO BEACH, Fla.—In honor of Black Music Month, the Historic Ali Cultural Arts presents an exhibition featuring the paintings of Haitian visual artist Jai D and the photographs of David I. Muir. In rhythm with the month’s focus, the exhibition features paintings of music icons including Prince, Diana Ross, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G. and concert photographs of Toni Braxton, Common and Maxwell.

“Jai is an exciting self-taught South Florida artist whose works portray the style, grace and boldness of some of the world’s most celebrated musical talents,” said Cherolyn Davis, director of programming and facilities. “And David’s critically acclaimed photography captures musicians in those magical moments on stage performing and connecting with their fans.”

Initiated by Jimmy Carter in 1979, the month-long celebration was changed by President Obama in 2016 to celebrate artists from the United States and their vital contributions to the world.

“A vital part of our nation’s proud heritage, African-American music exemplifies the creative spirit at the heart of American identity and is among the most innovative and powerful art the world has ever known,” President Obama wrote.

Jai D paints from his personal experiences, ideas and influences. Admirers say his art is relative to black culture because of the way he uses his creations to highlight and capture the essence, beauty, resilience and strength of black people.

David I. Muir is a photo artist, author, entrepreneur and community leader. His photo collections, including the critically acclaimed Pieces of Jamaica and its accompanying coffee table book, have toured in national and international exhibitions.

Muir is currently part of the management team at Island Syndicate, publishers of Island Origins Magazine and producers of The Taste the Islands Experience. He serves on local advisory boards, including nonprofits and arts organizations, curates multiple annual Fort Lauderdale art exhibits yearly, conducts seminars for aspiring journalists and photographers, and teaches photography at Broward College.

The free exhibition runs from June 7- July 26, and will include a free artist opening reception and art talk on June 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ali Cultural Arts, 353 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. For more information, visit www.aliarts.org or call 954-786-7876.