Whitfield Lovell

In the world of journalism, an exposé is a story that reveals new and shocking information about a person or institution. Within the world of fashion, however, exposé refers to a showcase debuting inno vative designs. Our exhibition undertakes something analogous to the latter sense of the term, wherein the surprises hold positive connotations of creativity unleashed for public display. Among the central revelations offered by this show is the sheer diversity of representations of black women available in works from the Paul R. Jones Collection. The art on view casts black women as mothers, daughters, sisters, lovers, and autonomous individuals; as African forebears, actors to be reckoned with in 20th century American history, and contemporary U.S. citizens; in scenarios where they confront social oppression and in circumstances of middle and upper class privilege; as political activists and as creative artists in their own right. Further, the black women portrayed in this exhibit feature an expansive range of beauty in terms of hairstyle, skin tone, and body image, which the selected artists render in styles spanning from naturalistic portraiture to abstraction.

May 3–June 28, 2019
2308 Sixth Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
First Friday of the month noon–8 p.m.
205-345-3038
OPENING RECEPTION
Friday, May 3, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the museum