David Huffman, Hoop Dreams, 2007, color softground and spitbite aquatint etching; image courtesy of Paulson Fontaine Press, Berkeley, CA
There is no singular way to address the conversation of race and representation in contemporary art. Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press presented fourteen artists who capture the personal narratives and political discourses of African Americans across the country, reflecting a collective experience expressed in uniquely individual ways. This powerful exhibition of figurative and abstract artworks channeled the poetics of human experience from past and present, and boldly presented ideas about history, identity, personal story, and spiritual inspiration.
~ Carrie Lederer, Curator ‘s Statement (excerpt)
Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press was organized by Carrie Lederer, Curator of Exhibitions, Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Edgar Arceneaux
Radcliffe Bailey
Louisiana Bendolph (Gee’s Bend Quilter)
Mary Lee Bendolph (Gee’s Bend Quilter)
Loretta Bennett (Gee’s Bend Quilter)
McArthur Binion
Lonnie Holley
David Huffman
Samuel Levi Jones
Kerry James Marshall
Loretta Pettway (Gee’s Bend Quilter)
Martin Puryear
Gary Simmons
Lava Thomas