Grounded in Grain, Washed in the Water
Black Southern traditions are not relics to be preserved behind glass, but dynamic systems of knowledge that continue to evolve.
"Grounded in Grain, Washed in the Water" showcases the interconnectedness of ancestral knowledge, the land, water, and Black life in the American South. The exhibition, curated by Lauren Jackson Harris, brings together the works of Maya Freelon, Corey Alston, christa david, and Derrick Beasley. It emphasizes that history is not confined to archives, and instead, is an active, evolving system of knowledge.
The artists use a variety of mediums, including basketry, collage, sculpture, painting, and immersive installations, to demonstrate how memory, culture, and tradition continue to shape contemporary Black life in the South. The piece "Family Tree" by Maya Freelon, for instance, is a tissue paper and ink mono photo print that speaks to resilience, creativity, and connection.
Derrick Beasley's "Conduit" is a sprawling river grape vine, pine tar, and steel sculpture that illustrates the fluidity of history and the role it plays in shaping contemporary Black life. These works collectively reveal that Black Southern traditions are not preserved relics, but dynamic systems of knowledge that continue to evolve, carry forward through generations, and offer pathways toward collective futures.
Written by urgent.news from Hyperallergic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
