Devoted exclusively to Black fabric arts, this new exhibit heralds the exciting, new partnership between Art in the Atrium (ATA) and the Morris Museum, dedicated to showcasing the diversity of Black art. Deeply rooted in quilt-making tradition, today’s Black fiber arts incorporate conventional textile skills with contemporary art and design practices. Beyond their visual and tactile allure, these works communicate societal and cultural messages at the intersection of identity and inspiration. This year’s theme honors the lifelong work of ATA co-founder and quilter Viki Craig (1947-2018) in elevating Black artistry.
The exhibit features 50 works by 27 outstanding fabric artists including Aminah Robinson, Beverly McCutcheon, Bisa Washington, Carole Robinson, Clara Nartey, Denise Toney, Ellaree Pray, Faith Ringgold, Gladys Barker Grauer, Glendora Simonson, Janet O. Green, Jeanine Bowen, Kathia St. Hilaire, Katie Commodore, Kianga Jinaki, Michael Cummings, Minnie Melvin, Sharela May Bonfield, Sherry Shine, Shervone Neckles, Stephen Towns, Theda Sandiford, Tina Williams Brewer, Toni Thomas, Viki Craig, Wannetta Phillips, and Maureen Kelleher and The Social Justice Collaboration Quilts Project.
Aside from Viki Craig, Faith Ringgold, Bisa Washington and Michael Cummings are among the showcased artists. Additionally, works by “lifers” at Louisiana’s Angola Prison, from the Social Justice Collaboration Quilts Project are included in this striking show. Further background on the exhibit is available in the MorristownGreen.com article at https://tinyurl.com/3ueaprrj.
Various Quilts from this exhibit are now available for online purchase at https://artintheatrium.org/collections/the-social-fabric-black-artistry-in-fiber-arts-an-exhibition-in-homage-to-viki-craig/ATA@Morris
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- . Faith Ringgold’s Tar Beach 2
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- Kathia St. Hilaire’s A Spirit Watches Over Your
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- Viki Craig’s Gee’s Bend Sampler (shown horizontally)
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- Stephen Towns’ Crucifixion
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- Bisa Washington’s War Dress Moremi Leads the Battle
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- Gladys Barker Grauer’s Sweet Thing
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- Katie Commodore’s Greg in Blue
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- MIchael Cummings’ Mecklenburg County, N.C.
Curated by ATA’s Gwendolyn Barrington Jackson, Nette Forné, Onnie Strother, Wannetta Phillips, and the Morris Museum’s Managing Curator, Ronald T. Labaco, the show will be on display in four gallery spaces at the Morris Museum, Wednesdays – Sundays, 11am-5pm, 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown, NJ, from June 4-October 24, 2021. Visit www.morrismuseum.org and www.artintheatrium.org for additional details.