05/06/2025
GO GETTA MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVE
Title: âRoaring Through Time: A Go Getta Experience at the Saint Louis Art Museumâ
By: PIEREUN
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to step back in timeâinto an era where class, creativity, and craftsmanship defined culture. The Saint Louis Art Museumâs latest exhibition, Roaring: Art, Fashion, and the Automobile in France, 1918â1939, is more than just a displayâitâs an immersive journey through one of the most iconic periods in design and culture.
As soon as I entered, I was struck by the brilliance of the exhibitionâs curation. Classic cars from France and around the world, each a work of art in its own right, lined the gallery floors like royalty on display. These werenât just vehiclesâthey were rolling sculptures, reflections of an era when every curve and chrome detail had meaning. For any car lover or design enthusiast, itâs a dream come true. From Bugattis to Delahayes, these machines spoke of luxury, innovation, and bold imagination.
But for me, one moment stood above the restâthe tribute to Josephine Baker. A St. Louis native turned international legend, her presence in the exhibit is nothing short of powerful. Walking through her section was like walking with her spirit. Vintage footage played alongside her dazzling gowns, showing her elegance and energy as she stepped out of luxurious automobiles with her signature grace. It wasnât just fashionâit was a dedication to her legacy as a symbol of Black excellence, freedom, and global influence.
The museum didnât just display her imageâthey honored her essence. One particular piece, a 1935 gouache painting by Ămile Deschler, captures Josephine at the wheel, reimagining her not just as a performer but as a driver of cultural change. In every frame, every stitch of fabric, every photographâyou see her power, her poise, and her pride.
This exhibit is a must-see not just for art and automobile lovers, but for St. Louisans who take pride in our cityâs influence on global history. It speaks to a time when the world was changing, and icons like Josephine Baker were helping to steer the wheel.
Whether youâre a fashionista, a car enthusiast, or a cultural historian, Roaring has something for you. Itâs a celebration of movementâon the road, on the runway, and in society. And as a proud son of St. Louis, itâs a reminder of just how much power and pride our city holds.
If you havenât seen it yet, go see it. Bring your kids. Bring your elders. This is more than an exhibitâitâs a time capsule, and our presence is part of the legacy too.
Exhibit runs through July 27, 2025, at the Saint Louis Art Museum.
Visit slam.org for details.
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