Alfred Conteh Exhibits in Men Of Change: Power. Triumph.…
August 17, 2019 – December 1, 2019
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Skirball Gallery, Third Floor
Admission: $10 with general admission, $5 for members
MEN OF CHANGE: POWER. TRIUMPH. TRUTH. profiles the revolutionary men—including Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, W.E.B Du Bois, and Kendrick Lamar—whose journeys have altered the history and culture of the country. The achievements of the men are woven within the legacy and traditions of the African American journey—achievements of excellence in spite of society’s barriers.
Through literary and historic quotes, poetry, original works of art, dramatic photographs, and a dynamic space that encourages self-reflection, this innovative exhibition weaves together the historical and the contemporary to illuminate the importance of these men within the context of rich community traditions. It invites visitors to consider predominant narratives and engage in the authentic stories of history, politics, art, culture, and activism. Twenty-five contemporary artists were invited to reflect and celebrate the significance of these ground-breaking individuals through their own creative vision. These works of art serve as counterpoint to the sumptuously backlit photographs and inspiring quotes, and together honor the truth of the African American experience in history and today.
While these men made their mark in a variety of disciplines—politics, sports, science, entertainment, business, religion, and more—all understood the value of asserting their own agency by owning their own stories.
Men of Change was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and made possible through the generous support of the Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.
Artist: Alfred Conteh, Portrait of Ryan Coogler
Mixed Media on Canvas, 84″ x 47.75″ x 2.75″, 2018
New York, New York: The Stop & Frisk Game Board, 2013 by Wesley Clark[/caption]The exhibition presented at Galerie Myrtis, Lest We Forget examines pivotal moments and figures in US history, as well as the everyday occurrences and unknown individuals that have impacted, to various degrees, the African American experience here, and by extension, throughout the world. Too often individuals, movements and ideas are discounted, overlooked or ‘smudged out’ in an attempt to lessen their societal and cultural agency and potency. What has come before is particularly poignant now, more than ever, and continues to reverberate in current issues , both progressive and problematic, such as Black Lives Matter and the examination of President Obama’s legacy in the final months of his administration.
