Black History Month Student Exhibit

Artists Statement: A look beyond — a profound vision transforming minds while transforming through the minds. His inspiration revitalizes seeds of justice and freedom, reflected in each of us in a unified but unique way. The timeless message is filled with life and humanity, something embedded in all, potential deep within.

Artists Statement: I created the "Hidden in plain sight " piece in 2019 for my Painting 1 final. After researching how the police originated, I wanted to use a white police officer with a KKK hood to represent racism, police brutality, and white supremacy. Some people aren't aware that The origins of modern-day policing can be traced back to the "Slave Patrol. The mission of the slave patrol was to "establish a system of terror and squash slave uprisings with the capacity to pursue, apprehend, and return runaway slaves to their owners. Tactics included using excessive force to control and produce desired slave behavior". Many people, especially at a PWI, don't know the history or are simply avoiding the truth. " Hidden in plain sight" is the elephant in the room; it makes some people uncomfortable, but the message is clear and exposes the history.

Artists Statement: I wanted to focus on how all the division, discrimination, and more happening right now has led to a new age of protesters and “freedom fighters.” And how we now know what path to follow because MLK was the blueprint. He walked so we can run.

Artists Statement: This painting is inspired by the quote: "they tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds." I have placed a black power fist in the middle of a sunflower. In American history, black people have had many challenges and barriers placed in front of us to prevent us from succeeding. However, we have persevered, fought against oppression, developed a beautiful culture, and flourished in black excellence. This painting demonstrates how African Americans created something out of nothing. It shows what unity and black pride does for the people.

Artists Statement: In the painting “On the edge of the World,” I depicted a little girl holding a balloon, thus symbolizing new endless possibilities. I focused my attention on the central object, highlighting that the girl enters this life stage alone, and the whole universe is open for her. She is small, fragile, and light as a balloon, but she fearlessly pursues her dream!