As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, America’s Black Holocaust Museum features an online exhibition of work by a Milwaukee artist inspired by a visit to Memphis and the site of Dr. King’s assassination.
“Echoes of Equality: Art Inspired by Memphis and Maya” spotlights a trio of works by Daron Wolf.
“Ruby” depicts Ruby Bridges’ first day at a desegregated school in 1960; "1968 Olympics – A Peaceful Protest" shows the iconic moment when Black American athletes raised their fists on the medal platform; and “Maya” is a tribute to the late poet Maya Angelou.
All three works are in acrylic and papier mache.
“The inspiration behind my latest art pieces was born out of a recent trip to Memphis,” Wolf says in his artist’s statement. “During my time in the city, I immersed myself in its rich history, particularly focusing on significant locations and events that have shaped the cultural landscape of the area.
“One of the most impactful experiences during my trip was visiting the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Standing in that place, I felt a deep sense of reverence and reflection on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of equality and justice.”
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wolf holds a business degree from Wisconsin Lutheran College and an MBA in marketing from Concordia University.
He has been a teacher and dean of students, worked in retail, hospitality and marketing and is currently the senior marketing manager at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
“As a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, I am aware of the pervasive issue of segregation that continues to afflict our community,” Wolf says.
“The stark reality of this division has compelled me to explore and confront this issue through my art. In particular, I have been drawn to the story of Ruby's first day, a powerful narrative that encapsulates the profound impact of segregation on individuals and communities.
“In addition, I have an admiration for the profound words and enduring legacy of Maya Angelou. Her wisdom and resilience have served as a guiding light for me, especially in times of uncertainty and challenge.”
Wolf has no formal art training. Instead, he says, he took up painting as a hobby during the pandemic.
“I view my creations as a language that can convey messages and spark dialogue,” he explains. “The art pieces I have developed seek to shed light on the struggles of the past while also celebrating the progress we have made as a society.
"They serve as a reminder that despite how far we have come, there is still work to be done in addressing the lingering effects of our shared history.”
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
