Magic In My Melanin Exhibition
Celebrating Identity, Culture, and Community Through the Art of Jamal "Bubbles" Hoskins
Bringing Magic In My Melanin to Life
Magic In My Melanin was a three-day pop-up exhibition celebrating the work of West Virginia artist Jamal "Bubbles" Hoskins. Co-presented by Jose L. Rizo and Matt Bickey, the exhibition transformed The Grant Building in downtown Beckley into an energetic gallery experience where contemporary art, music, and community came together.
Rather than presenting a traditional gallery exhibition, Magic In My Melanin invited visitors to engage with artwork in an atmosphere that felt welcoming, vibrant, and accessible. Through bold imagery and powerful storytelling, the exhibition celebrated identity, culture, and personal history while introducing audiences to one of West Virginia's emerging artistic voices.
The Vision Behind the Exhibition
Showcasing the Work of Jamal "Bubbles" Hoskins
Jamal "Bubbles" Hoskins is known for expressive portraiture that celebrates influential figures in sports, music, popular culture, and African American history. Working primarily in pen and ink alongside large-scale paintings, Hoskins creates artwork distinguished by bold contrasts, intricate detail, and emotional depth.
For Magic In My Melanin, more than fifty original works were presented, making it Hoskins' largest exhibition to date. The collection featured portraits inspired by athletes, musicians, cultural icons, and historical figures while exploring themes of heritage, identity, and representation.
Each piece reflected Hoskins' commitment to telling meaningful stories through art while encouraging viewers to reflect on history, culture, and community.
A Collaboration Through Art
The exhibition reflected a collaborative effort between artist, curator, and community partners.
Jose Rizo worked closely with Jamal Hoskins to shape an exhibition experience that highlighted both the technical quality of the artwork and the deeper message behind it. Through thoughtful curation, the exhibition guided visitors through a visual narrative centered on identity, creativity, and resilience.
The project also demonstrated Jose's ongoing commitment to supporting contemporary artists by creating opportunities for their work to reach new audiences in engaging and memorable ways.
Creating Community Through Creativity
Magic In My Melanin was designed to feel more like a celebration than a traditional exhibition.
Throughout the weekend, visitors experienced original artwork alongside music, food, and entertainment that created a welcoming atmosphere for families, collectors, and first-time gallery visitors alike. This approach reflected Jose Rizo's belief that art should be approachable and that exhibitions can serve as gathering places where creativity brings communities together.
By combining visual art with shared experiences, the exhibition became more than a display of artwork—it became a celebration of culture, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Continuing the Mission of The Rizo Collection
Magic In My Melanin reflects the ongoing mission of The Rizo Collection to support artists, preserve meaningful stories, and create exhibitions that connect communities through art.
Whether highlighting historically significant collections or collaborating with contemporary artists, Jose L. Rizo continues to curate experiences that make art more accessible while encouraging dialogue, education, and cultural appreciation.
Through projects like Magic In My Melanin, The Rizo Collection continues to celebrate artists whose work inspires conversation, strengthens communities, and leaves a lasting impact on West Virginia's cultural landscape.