Although the year may be ending, the runs of many new art and fashion exhibits are just beginning.
In celebration of 2023, here are five new exhibits by Black artists to attend for the holidays.
- Black Artists of Oregon: Located at the Portland Art Museum, the “Black Artists of Oregon” exhibit discusses the work of Black artists based in Oregon across the decades.
Beginning from the 1880s and spanning to the modern day, the works of 69 artists, such as Charles Tatum, Harrison Branch, Carrie Mae Weems, Sharita Towne and Charlotte Lewis, are included in the exhibit. Topics such as the Black Arts Movement, the Black Liberation Movement, and Black Lives Matter are among those represented through the artwork.
- Simone Leigh: Now on display from Nov. 2023 and extended until March 3, 2024, in Washington D.C., the exhibit is self-titled after artist Simone Leigh. Using clay, Leigh focuses on documenting the experiences of Black women through her art. Sculptures included as part of the artist’s exhibit are her “Bisi,” “Herm” and “Vessel” pieces.
Previously, Leigh made history as the first Black artist to ever represent the country at the Venice Biennale, an international competition that explores political and social issues through art. For her work, Leigh took home the Golden Lion award.
- Going Dark: The Contemporary Figure at the Edge of Visibility: Already on display from Oct. 20 and set to stay up until April 7, 2024, this exhibit features over 100 works from the 1960s to modern day by 28 artists who are mostly Black artists and women artists. Using methods such as shadowing, rotation and even printing, the artists’ work focuses on “visually concealing the body” to convey a need to remain hidden and seen at the same time. The exhibit was curated by Dr. Ashley James, the first Black curator at the Guggenheim.
- Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks: Now on view in the Denver Art Museum, this exhibit is the debut solo tour of artist Amoako Boafo. Born in Ghana, Boafo was inspired by civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois and his teachings, such as “double consciousness.” With the title derived from Du Bois’ “Soul of Black Folks,” Boafo’s work challenges double consciousness while capturing ideas such as joy and the overall gaze. Featuring over 30 works, the exhibit is characterized by vibrant colors and techniques such as finger painting.
- Africa Fashion: Returning to the U.S. from its run at the London Victoria and Albert Museum after its showing in the Brooklyn Museum, “Africa Fashion” is set to be available from now to Feb. 18, 2024, at the Portland Art Museum. Through the exhibit, the artwork in African fashions is celebrated, emphasizing their creativity and impact. With pieces on display from as far back as the mid-1900s, over 50 outfits by more than 40 designers from 21 different countries are included.
