This exhibition celebrates spiritual experience through the eyes of notable 20th and 21st Century African American artists. Faith, and the tenacity to act upon it, is a central theme among the artworks. Christian imagery is noticeably dominant, as it is important in the life of each of these artists.
Allan Crite takes a more symbolic approach to the Christian experience, portraying the Evangelists through use of powerfully modern line and text. References to religious practices traced to West Africa also appear in some works, seamlessly sharing the image space.
Though faith may be a primarily religious concept, its meaning extends beyond purely religious confines. Faith denotes a sincere allegiance to someone or something. This could be an idea, or even one’s own individual strength and potential.
These women are portrayed as powerful leaders, preachers and prophets of freedom and equity.
Similarly, Stephanie Jackson’s lithograph Dark Madonna of the Desire Projects draws a parallel between the sanctity and serenity of the Virgin Mary and Christ, with a mother and her son in one of New Orleans’ poorest and most notorious public housing projects.
Variations of Acts of Faith have been exhibited previously in Northeast Louisiana, and The Gallery by Origin Bank is thrilled to show such a celebrated group of artist before a new audience.
Benny Andrews (1930 - 2006), Prophet, 1962, Oil and Collage
The inspiration and foundation for their collecting and exhibiting efforts can be found in the words of Proverbs 24:3, “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
Credits:
Work provided from the collection of Will and Cheryl Sutton