Black Writing

August 19, 2023–January 7, 2024

Sam and Connie Perkins Central Court, Dolph Simons Family Gallery

The corner of a gallery space; the text “Black Writing” appears on the left wall; a large black rectangular artwork takes up the right wall

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the History of Black Writing, a research center at the University of Kansas that specializes in the recovery and preservation of texts by Black writers. This exhibition extends the goals of the project’s archive of Black storytellers to include art and visual culture. Featured works by contemporary artists incorporate literature, lyrics, family lore, writing, and reading. From history and cultural erasure to songs and words of empowerment, Black Writing explores the power, politics, and complexities of language in contemporary Black culture.

Stephanie Dinkins
Not The Only One V1. Beta (N'TOO)
2018
Carrie Schneider
Reading Women (2012–2014) (Angela Davis edit), featuring: Abigail reading Angela Davis (An Autobiography, 1974); Christine reading Ruth Wilson Gilmore ) Golden Gulag: Prisons, Surplus, Crisis, and...
2012–2014
Paul Stephen Benjamin
Black is Beautiful
2020–2023
Fahamu Pecou
Parable of the Sower: Oya’s Dream
2023
Jamal Cyrus
Numerologies (class notes from Black Man in the Cosmos, Spring 71)
2023

Supporters

This exhibition and related programming are funded by the Mellon Foundation, the Linda Inman Bailey Exhibitions Fund, and an anonymous donor.