by Nicholas Grier
The Exhibition “Black Is..” was located in Dedo Maranville in the Fine Arts building in Valdosta State University from February 14th – March 4th 2022 which was curated by Julie Bowland. Featuring two African American artist named Samuel Dunson and Traci Mims representing different styles and approaches racism and sexism using Expressionism and Realism. They had an Artist Talk when the Exhibition opened up, explaining there reasonings and getting a better understanding of the artist. The Exhibition was formatted by the styles of the artwork. In the Exhibition Samuel Dunson had artwork that was representing a Euphoria world of his, as If he may be escaping a virtual dream or trapped in a paralysis for instance. The artist focused on expressionism and realism in the artwork to visually explain how he may be feeling.
The artworks focus on the Black identity and bringing awareness to recent trauma the African American’s experienced. While viewing the exhibition there was no order of how the artwork was shown.
The “Kind of Blue” painting was made by Traci Mims using acrylic paint on canvas for the artist medium, representing what is a self portrait of herself in different shades and variations of blue with a large earring that says “I Love Africa”, with clothing that correlates with the aesthetic of her head wrap, white blouse and shirt.
The artists achieved intentions with persuading the audience to understand more about Black Identity and to bring more awareness to the Black Lives Matter movement and Women Appreciation. In the Exhibition there was certain artworks that was more successful based off of color schemes, line variations, textures, details and sense of creativity. After hearing the Artist talk, you can get a better understanding of how some artworks have deeper meanings relating to self-experience, capturing relatable people and visually describing their mindset.
Nicholas Grier: Black Is.. Review, Valdosta State University with a Bachelor in Art, 2022