Black Cowboy : American Muscle by Brandon Hill

Black Cowboy: American Muscle

By Brandon Hill

Join us for the solo exhiobition of Brandon Hill. Black Cowboy: American Muscle presented by Culture House. Exhibition features a mural that leads visitors indoors for an immersive exploration of the mythology and hero worship surrounding the American Cowboy.

Date + Hours:

Opening Reception

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

7 PM - 10 PM

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Exhibition on view: March 15th - April 26th

Open Hours: 11am - 2 Saturdays ( or By Appointment )

An estimated 1 in 4 cowboys were African-American.

They were ropers, trail cooks, wranglers, and bronco busters. The cowboy, as a symbol, embodies the American ethos: spirit, courage, optimism, promise, opportunity, grit, and an unwavering dedication to hard work.

Multidisciplinary artist Brandon Hill (b. 1983, Baltimore, MD) invites audiences to explore the complex impact of American West nostalgia, unraveling the enduring myths and erasures within these narratives while critically examining the mythology surrounding the American cowboy.

Black Cowboy: American Muscle is the newest chapter in an ongoing series of works that highlight the significant, yet often overlooked, role African Americans played in the American West.

Famous Black cowboys like Bill Pickett, Isom Dart, and Nat Love were the real deal, and their legendary stories continue to inspire; yet many more remain lost to history. Through painting, sculpture, and video installation, the project challenges how history books and pop culture have shaped — or distorted — our understanding of these important figures. Black Cowboy examines the marketing fabric of Americana and nostalgia while imagining a modern-day world where this history was never overlooked. By offering a modern perspective on their story arcs, the series sheds light on an often-forgotten chapter of the West and explores the heroic nature of their journeys, asking what lessons we can learn from their experiences.

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About Brandon Hill

Brandon Hill (b. 1983, Baltimore, MD) draws inspiration from his fascination with materiality, history, and the urban landscape to shape his multidisciplinary art practice. Hill showcases his versatility through works ranging from paintings and portraits to stainless steel and fiberglass sculptures, as well as large-scale murals.

Hill has exhibited at The Bishop Gallery, Richard Beavers Gallery, Ron David Studio, The Square, and more. As a muralist and designer, he has collaborated with prominent brands and organizations including Disney, TikTok, Lululemon, the Washington Capitals, Art Basel Miami, Aspen Ideas Festival, The Washington Post, among many others nationwide. His work is also part of the permanent collection at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Hill is the former co-founder No Kings Collective (2011-2023).

Hill lives and works in Washington, D.C., where his studio, , is based. Follow him on Instagram (@alldaymurals1).

ABOUT CULTURE HOUSE

Founded on the principle that art is a catalyst for change in the community, Culture House is dedicated to providing inspiration and motivation for those who encounter its power, either through experiences or events. The mission of Culture House is to provide a functional art space for all to enjoy and learn more about the arts culture through exhibitions, events, live performances, and artist workshops. The venue embraces all things creative with all its being.

As an art object itself, with the exterior fully painted by renowned Atlanta-based muralist , 700 Delaware serves as a pillar for creativity in our nation’s capital.

Culture House is a 501(c)3 dedicated to the arts and community. We rely on donations and volunteers to keep our programming fresh, helping to drive Washington, DC’s exceptional creative scene forward.

Thanks Y’all

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Culture House DC, 700 Delaware Avenue Southwest, Washington, United States