Reflections on the Self
This exhibition illustrates the breadth of mediums and approaches that
artists have used to depict the human form. From life-like resemblance to more
abstract gestures, the complexities of the human face and body have engaged
generations of visual artists working in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and
assemblage alike. The objects on display in this exhibition are drawn from the
museum鈥檚 permanent collection, including generous gifts from private collectors
and the artists themselves. Reflections on the Self begins with portraits of
powerful historical figures such as Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Mary McLeod
Bethune. It continues with celebratory images of cultural icons鈥攊ncluding
Thelonious Monk and a New Orleans Grand Marshal鈥攁s well as references to black
pride, past and present. In other works that explore spirituality and the
metaphysical world, bodily forms appear idealized or fantastical. These scenes
are laden with symbols that evoke Biblical stories, personal narratives, and
tales of diaspora. The exhibition concludes with objects that reflect upon human
relationships in both public and private contexts: a neighborhood stroll, a
dance in a nightclub, piano and quilting lessons, an image of rebellion. In A
Family Treasure Found, an installation by Dominique Moody, the artist delves
into questions of familial bonds, presence, and absence through her multilayered
depictions of her parents, her siblings, and herself.
Featured artists include, among others, Daphne Arthur, Richmond Barth茅,
Phoebe Beasley, Romare Bearden, April Bey, John Biggers, Milton Bowens,
Elizabeth Catlett, Zeal Harris, Suzanne Jackson, Artis Lane, Dominique Moody,
William Pajaud, Faith Ringgold, Betye Saar, Alison Saar, Lezley Saar, and
Charles White.
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This exhibition illustrates the breadth of mediums and approaches that
artists have used to depict the human form. From life-like resemblance to more
abstract gestures, the complexities of the human face and body have engaged
generations of visual artists working in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and
assemblage alike. The objects on display in this exhibition are drawn from the
museum鈥檚 permanent collection, including generous gifts from private collectors
and the artists themselves. Reflections on the Self begins with portraits of
powerful historical figures such as Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Mary McLeod
Bethune. It continues with celebratory images of cultural icons鈥攊ncluding
Thelonious Monk and a New Orleans Grand Marshal鈥攁s well as references to black
pride, past and present. In other works that explore spirituality and the
metaphysical world, bodily forms appear idealized or fantastical. These scenes
are laden with symbols that evoke Biblical stories, personal narratives, and
tales of diaspora. The exhibition concludes with objects that reflect upon human
relationships in both public and private contexts: a neighborhood stroll, a
dance in a nightclub, piano and quilting lessons, an image of rebellion. In A
Family Treasure Found, an installation by Dominique Moody, the artist delves
into questions of familial bonds, presence, and absence through her multilayered
depictions of her parents, her siblings, and herself.
Featured artists include, among others, Daphne Arthur, Richmond Barth茅,
Phoebe Beasley, Romare Bearden, April Bey, John Biggers, Milton Bowens,
Elizabeth Catlett, Zeal Harris, Suzanne Jackson, Artis Lane, Dominique Moody,
William Pajaud, Faith Ringgold, Betye Saar, Alison Saar, Lezley Saar, and
Charles White.
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