Austin’s history with Black businesses is – to put things mildly – complicated, but a great deal of incredible Black-owned places and spaces call the city home. Celebrating these brick-and-mortars and their owners is photographer Steven Hatchett’s new exhibition, which opens this Thursday in the Central Library’s second floor gallery. “Holding Spaces” highlights businesses like Luv Fats Ice Cream, Shag Noir Salon, and RichesArt Gallery among many others with photographs taken in the style of contemporary Black portraiture. At this opening event curated by Taylor Danielle Davis, attendees can browse an interactive reading nook filled by exhibition subject and sponsor Black Pearl Books, or view pieces from RichesArt owner Richard Samuel’s personal collection. “In Holding Spaces,” says the event copy, “Hatchett invites us to consider what is possible when we amplify and support Black businesses – and the third spaces they inherently create.” – James Scott
