February Issue 2002
Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SC, Features Exhibition Covering the African American Image
The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SC,
is presenting an exhibition of works from the permanent collection
entitled, Colorblind? The African American Image in the 1930s
and 1940s. The exhibition opens Feb. 1 and continues through
Oct. 20, 2002.
Twenty-five works make up this powerful collection of paintings
created by both black and white artists where the subject matter
is African American life in the South. "Interest in depicting
the African American figure in the South was at its zenith in
the 1930s and 1940s. This exhibition focuses on images of African
Americans and poses the question, 'does race matter in depicting
the black figure?'" says Angela Mack, Curator of Collections.
Many of the pieces in this exhibition illustrate riveting scenes of African American life in the South, and while there are a few images that overtly document racial injustice, the majority are more subtle and suggests the artists' feelings toward the black figure.
"For many years the Gibbes has been collecting African American art. We feel that it is very important to bring this art to the forefront, so it can be honored and recognized because unfortunately, before the 1960s, African Americans weren't even allowed to visit the museum or take classes at the studio." said Paul Figueroa, Executive Director.
The exhibition includes works by such famous artists as William H. Johnson, Edwin Harleston, Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, Alfred Hutty and Prentiss Taylor. In addition, eight woodblock prints by African American Artist Hale Woodruff will be included in the exhibition; a gift to the museum from Dave Williams, Chairman of New York's Alliance Capital Management, and his wife Reba.
For further info check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, call the Museum at 843/722-2706 or at (http://www.gibbes.com).
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