I Heard The City Breathe - Gallery Exhibition

Experience I Heard The City Breathe — a powerful gallery exhibition and short film experience by Brian “7Metrix” Sykes at the Beverly Art Center. Rooted in the Black experience and inspired by the spirit, memory, and movement of Chicago, this immersive exhibition brings the city to life through music, film, photography, and visual storytelling. More than an art show, I Heard The City Breathe is a homecoming — a tribute to the South Side communities, creative voices, and lived experiences that helped shape this work.

The exhibition will be on view from April 6 through May 1, inviting guests to engage with a deeply personal and community-centered artistic vision over several weeks. Special emphasis should be placed on the I Heard The City Breathe Reception on April 11, which will serve as a signature celebration of the exhibition and will feature a live performance of the EP. This reception is designed to bring the project fully to life, giving attendees the chance to not only view the work but also experience its sound and spirit in a live setting.

Presented with support from St. Xavier University and Nathan Peck, Head of the Art Department at the Visual Arts Center, this exhibition reflects the power of collaboration between art, education, and community. I Heard The City Breathe was made possible through funding from DCASE’s Individual Artist Grant and the Illinois Arts Council’s Catalyst Grant, helping transform a bold creative vision into a meaningful public experience.

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Host or Publisher Brian Sykes