Exploring Imaginary Worlds: Source of All Hair, Wearer of All Socks and iBOMS: iMAGiNE NATiON at The Gallery at Creative Pinellas
The power of imagination takes center stage at The Gallery at Creative Pinellas with two extraordinary exhibitions that transport viewers into visionary realms crafted by artists Sam Modder and iBOMS. Through bold storytelling, intricate details, and imagination, these artists invite audiences to explore their unique narratives, where reality and fantasy intertwine.
Source of All Hair, Wearer of All Socks: The Immense Vision of Sam Modder
Extended through April 19, 2025, Sam Modder’s Source of All Hair, Wearer of All Socks creates an immersive world where Black female figures command space in both real and imagined landscapes. The Nigerian Sri Lankan artist, now based in Tampa, uses digitally manipulated, mural-sized ballpoint pen drawings to weave a fairytale narrative filled with allegory, power, and resistance.
“Sam Modder’s work is deeply profound, unapologetically bold, and wildly exciting,” says Beth Gelman, Creative Pinellas Senior Director of Arts and Cultural Programming. “Her monumental murals sweep viewers into a world that is as empowering as it is visually breathtaking.”
At the heart of Modder’s work is Black hair, which serves as both a visual and symbolic force, shaping narratives of resilience and identity. The speculative worlds she constructs challenge oppressive structures while embracing a space of childhood wonder, curiosity, and strength.
“The work is intentionally large, making you look up, step back to take it all in, and move closer to see all the details,” says Modder. “As a child, everything is bigger than you—you’re constantly looking up, exploring the world around you, and opening yourself up to new ideas and possibilities. We lose a little bit of that as we get older. My hope for this exhibition is that viewers will step back into that space of childhood wonder and possibility.”
Through intricate details and towering scale, Modder’s work invites viewers to not only see, but to feel—to reclaim curiosity, embrace possibility, and reimagine the worlds we inhabit.
iMAGiNE NATiON: The Expansive Creativity of iBOMS
Opening on February 20, 2025, iBOMS: iMAGiNE NATiON is an exploration of imagination as the foundation of knowledge, culture, and identity. Presented in collaboration with the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, this exhibition, running through May 10, 2025, challenges visitors to see imagination not just as a child’s plaything but as a fundamental force shaping the world.
“Imagination is as essential as water, air, and food,” says iBOMS. “It’s the unseen space between matter, like aether—the quintessence, the fifth element that ancient and medieval science believed filled the universe beyond the terrestrial sphere.”
Through graphite, spray paint, resin casting, digital design, and natural elements, iBOMS constructs a dynamic nation of creativity. His work delves into themes of spirituality, science, music, and fashion, all filtered through his personal experiences and formal education in the arts.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Creative Pinellas to introduce iBOMS’ deeply imaginative art to new audiences,” says Terri Lipsey Scott, Executive Director of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. “His ability to blend music, fashion, and spirituality into his visual storytelling makes this exhibition especially meaningful.”
Curated by Danny Olda, who also serves as Marketing and Communications Manager for the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, iMAGiNE NATiON invites audiences to rethink their relationship with imagination and its role in shaping society. An artist-led tour by iBOMS will be held on Thursday, February 20, from 5:30 to 6:00 PM, followed by an opening reception from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
A Celebration of Boundless Creativity
Both Source of All Hair, Wearer of All Socks and iBOMS: iMAGiNE NATiON highlight the transformative power of imagination in art. Whether through Modder’s commanding figures or iBOMS’ multidimensional explorations, these exhibitions remind us that the worlds we create—both real and imagined—shape our understanding of identity and possibility.
The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, located at 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, FL 33778, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission to both exhibitions is free and open to the public.
For more details, visit creativepinellas.org.
