Xhibiting Blackness Show at Evolve The Gallery

African Scepters, mixed media by Willie Little

Bumpy Head Gal, raku, by Gene Pearson

The book, Exhibiting Blackness: African Americans and the American Art Museum by Dr. Bridget R. Cooks prompted this group exhibition. Dr. Cooks’ book talks about the struggle African Americans had trying to become recognized as artist and get their works displayed in art galleries and museums across the United States. This exhibition is embracing the art of African American artists who are established in all types of mediums, from quilting to sculpture and of course painting. Xhibiting Blackness features approximately 30 artist showing around 45 pieces. Among the works are even a few by Richard Mayhew, one of the founding members of the legendary African American artist group Spiral, which came about in the 1960’s.

The Warrior, Digital Painting, by Toni Scott

Dem Days Were Hell, mixed media,
by Toni Scott

The Transformation Spirit, acrylic on paper
by Ben F. Jones

In Thought, mixed media on wood
byMichael Massen 

Though there are some reoccurring themes like struggle, and hardships its is apparent through these pieces that African American art, as seen in this exhibit, cover a wide rage of imagery from slavery to African heritage and also to include abstract imagery. The exhibit was spaced out well but also included many works and the curators took advantage of the space that was available filling the walls and adding sculpture on pedestals throughout the center of the gallery space. This gallery has ample natural lighting but also specific lighting that was throughout the gallery focused on the artworks. The gallery’s bare brick walls showcased the mixture of mediums beautifully in an industrial setting.

Artist Bryan Keith Thomas and I standing in front of his latest work

Bryan Keith Thomas’ work “Sunday Morning Cotton” was one piece that really stood out at this show. The work was mixed media on paper and was framed. I was immediately drawn to this piece that depicts a black fan with a white cotton flower in the middle. The background is made up of several different colors, but abstract. The work was strong and powerful, immediately I thought of a hot church somewhere in the south, and women who had to work in fields while the sun was beating down on them. I was fortunate enough to talk to the artist the opening night of this show and he expressed to me that his current work is trying to honor the Black experience by using familiar historic iconography.

Sunday Morning Cotton, mixed media
by Bryan Keith Thomas

Dr. Bridget R Cooks Author of the book
Exhibiting Blackness, and I

On the night of the opening both Dr. Bridget R. Cooks and Professor/ Artist Bryan Keith Thomas gave a panel discussion on the book Exhibiting Blackness as well as a discussion on the role and place African American art and artists have in today’s society. This was a very interesting discussion that touched on a variety of issues like that fact that when African American artists were being shown in museums or galleries it was always noted that they were African American as if that had to do with their ability to create. Another topic of discussion was the fact that though times had changed, in the art field, pertaining to African American artists, not much had. Cooks brought up that right now at the Guggenheim there is the first solo, African American woman artist show being shown. This is amazing that it is not until 2014 that this has happened. The discussion also moved to talk about the idea that people think differently about Black art, they feel negatively towards images of oppression, or slavery. During the talk a man spoke out stating that he wants to be accepting of African American art but that he did not want to constantly be reminded of the historical past, especially slavery.

During the art discussion, Prof. and artist Bryan Keith
Thomas and Dr. Bridget R. Cooks

This discussion opened my eyes to the harsh realities that certain groups of people are still struggling to find their voice in the United States. Artists no matter what racial background all have the desire to express themselves and that is the beauty of art. Art lets us take a small look into someone’s life, into his or her experiences and hardships. This exhibition makes it very clear that as far as subject matter, African American art is simply American art touching on all types of issues and expressing all types of ideas. Everyone should take the trip to Oak Park and experience this show for him or herself.