Written by Tanya Terry, with photos by L.M. Land
Two incredible art exhibitions remain on view until April 19 at the Flint Institute of Arts – with each having kicked off at FIA’s 18th Annual Community Gala and each focusing on the lived experiences of African Americans!
Former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver was in attendance for the kickoff event, which she told the Courier she tries to attend every year.
“It’s just a nice celebration of African American artwork and a way to celebrate Romare Bearden,” said Weaver.”…We’re celebrating Black History here in the city of Flint. This won’t be dismantled.”
The gala also featured an impressive catered dinner.According to the Flint Institute of Arts website, the exhibition “Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist and Visionary” explores a body of work from Bearden as one of the most prolific American artists of his time. His artwork was inspired by everyday life in both rural and urban America, themes from literature and religion, and the lived experiences of African Americans in the 20th century.
Featuring a diverse collection of original works, prints and archival materials, including magazine covers and editorial cartoons, “Romare Bearden; Artist as Activist and Visionary” highlights how one artist challenged racial stereotypes and pushed for social change through their artwork.
This exhibition was organized by the Romare Bearden Foundation of New York, NY.
Diedra Harris-Kelley spoke on behalf of the Romare Bearden Foundation, as a co-director of it with Johanne Bryant-Reid.
She told the Courier Bearden’s work “relates to a lot of people on a lot of different levels.”
According to Harris-Kelley, Bearden’s narrative elements can be easily picked up by kids by using collage.
“On another level, he relates to adults as his storylines incorporate a lot of issues about social issues and about the world,” Harris Kelley added. “Also, he relates to artists because of his interest in the structure of painting and art. He’s a lifelong student of art history. So, he puts all of those things together – and is able to use his own experience- and to create something in two-dimensional form.”
Harris-Kelley said the FIA is “such a gorgeous museum.”
“I hope everyone will get out and see the show,” she said. “It’s paired with another wonderful show by Judy Bowman. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for folks to get a good idea or a good slice of Bearden’s work.”
“We Loved the Swag: From Black Bottom Until Now” focuses on artist Judy Bowman’s experience growing up on the Eastside of Detroit and is also still on display. The FIA website points out that during the mid-20th century, the eastside neighborhood known as Black Bottom was the heartbeat for Black families—a neighborhood thriving with jazz, entertainment, businesses and community. Before Black Bottom was demolished in the 1960s to be replaced by the I-375 freeway in the name of urban renewal, men and women stepped out “dressed to the 9’s” with their heads held high and a personhood about them.
According to Bowman, “There was a self-assured rhythm and undeniable coolness that’s powerful. I didn’t know it then, but I was witnessing what we identify today as ‘swag.’”
The FIA said this exhibition reflects the flair, dignity, and pride Black men and women expressed through style and serves as a tribute to the Black community where Bowman grew up.
The exhibition features works and collages.
Bowman told the Courier although she was born and raised in Detroit, she spent many years living and working in Flint and that she still feels connected to the people of Flint. Bowman’s work appears in private and public collections nationally and internationally.
She also told the Courier she was ecstatic about having her work being featured next to Bearden.
Bowman’s use of vibrant hues, textured paper and acrylic paint illuminates narratives that move beyond institutional racism and disparaged perspectives of the Black experience.
From 1-2 p.m. on March 29, the public is welcome to meet Bowman and discuss her exhibition in FIA’s Temporary Exhibition Gallery. There is no cost to attend.
For more information about the FIA and its exhibitions, visit flintarts.org.
