Featured Artists

J. LeRoy Beasley | Michelle Beasley | Charles Bibbs | Stasi Bobo-Ligon

NedRa Bonds | Wolfe Brack | Uzz Buzz | Janine Carter | Ramona Davis

Ed Dwight | Anita Easterwood | Diallo Javonne French

Toni Gates | Cathy Ann Johnson–Conforto | Clarissa Knighten

Leonard Le’Doux, Jr. | George Mayfield | Dean Mitchell | Maria Morgan

Kim Newton | Joseph A. Newton | Joseph T. Newton | Glenn A. North

Michael Patton | Jason Piggie | Sandra Scott-Revelle | David Stevens

Sonié Joi Thompson-Ruffin | Michael Toombs | Remy Wharry | Jason Wilcox

 

NOW WHAT? Art Exhibition invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey—a kaleidoscope of emotions and a celebration of the rich tapestry that defines Black artistic expression. However, our Blackness is not defined solely by struggle and adversity. It encompasses a multitude of experiences, emotions, and diverse expressions. It encompasses the vibrant rhythm of our music, the captivating movements of our dance, and the flavors and aromas of our cuisine. Our lives encompass joy, love, and the celebration of our heritage. It is a rich and multifaceted reality that cannot be confined to a single narrative. Step into a realm where vibrant colors transcend the canvas and ignite the spirit, where strokes of genius become a beacon of resilience, and where the art experience unfolds in all its compelling glory.

 

Acknowledging the dark shadow of redlining and the constitutional acts that have cast their weight upon our communities, NOW WHAT art exhibition dares to challenge the status quo. Our art evolves, demands recognition, and refuses to be confined by societal expectations and norms. It continuously reshapes the narrative of our collective experience.

NOW WHAT is a reflection of our essence, guiding us through new realms and transcending time. It showcases our enduring presence from the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts movement. Despite obstacles, we persist, with our voices and literary works persisting despite silencing and banning. Challenges persist, including animosity despite laws like Title VII that acknowledge the significance of Black hair and grant us the freedom to proudly wear our natural crowns or embrace our loving bald scalps affected by alopecia. Banning books denies diversity and perpetuates ignorance. Our Voting Rights always remain at risk, and the destruction of communities such as Greenwood stands as a painful testament to the battles fought on our city streets and within our communities.

Meticulously carved sculptures bear witness to the strength and dignity of those who have walked before us, embodying a spirit unyielding in the face of difficulty.

Our art becomes a powerful documentation of our determination and fortitude. It reverberates through time, echoing the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of generations past and present. Paying homage to the pioneers who paved the way and celebrates the courage of the Black Arts movement. Our artists fearlessly tackle social and political issues, refusing to be silenced.

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Delving deep into the depths of the artistic narrative, the exhibition explores the nuanced complexities of history, identity, and triumph that shape the collective soul of the African Diaspora. Each stroke, each line, each sculpture, every word pulsates with the raw energy of survival, growth, and unwavering determination as each artist emerges from the shadows, their voices amplified through the visual medium.

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NOW WHAT refuses to conform to a monolithic identity. It recognizes and embraces the diverse perspectives and identities that exist within our community. The vibrant tapestry of our culture encompasses a multitude of stories, histories, and dreams. It is crucial to acknowledge and respect the richness and complexity that lies within each individual.

It celebrates art's transformative power to heal, educate, and inspire. It shines a light on the untold stories, the silenced voices, and the collective

history that has shaped and molded the community. The artworks showcased within these walls defy convention, challenge preconceived notions, and transcend the boundaries of imagination.

 

As you engage with these artistic expressions, allow them to inspire and empower you to challenge the status quo, to question societal norms, and to forge a path towards a more vibrant and inclusive society.