Imagine holding the power to document crucial moments in history right in your pocket. Today, that’s a reality for most of us. Yet, it was the evocative photographs from 1955 to 1985 that truly marked a transformative era for art and change.
At the Mississippi Museum of Art, an upcoming exhibition titled “Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985″ transports you back to this vibrant mid-20th century period. The exhibition features works from over 100 photographers and showcases everything from editorial pieces to personal portraits, challenging the narrative of state-sanctioned racism of the Jim Crow era.
Among the notable pieces is Ralph Arnold’s “Above This Earth, Games, Games,” a daring 1968 collage intertwining imagery of sports and war. That same year, Ernest Withers captured the spirit of protest with his poignant photograph of Memphis sanitation workers demanding better conditions after the death of two employees. Their signs boldly declaring “I Am A Man” created a visceral visual statement.
Ming Smith’s dynamic photograph of Sun Ra, an enigmatic musician and philosopher, also stands out. In this striking black-and-white image, Sun Ra spins before his band, his costume erupting into a radiant display that captures the essence of his unique artistry.
Adding depth to the exhibition, a quote from civil rights leader Julian Bond contextualizes these images: “Pictures told, for those who could not see themselves, of the strength and beauty of the people, of the hostility and anger of the opposition, and of the promise of a world free of racism.”
“Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985” runs from July 25 to November 8 in Jackson. This show not only captures the past but continues to influence and inform the present through its powerful imagery.
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Source: thisiscolossal.com