Hidden Histories at WBGO Gallery

Exhibited in the WBGO Gallery Now - Apr. 6th 2007

Enslaved-Mourning Ties by Deborah Willis

The WBGO Gallery is exhibiting Recollections of Once Hidden Histories curated by Victor Davson and Rose Oluronke Ojo. The exhibit will feature the photographic work of artists A. Olusegun Fayemi, Deborah Willis, Yolanda Skeete, Derrick Adams and Leslie Hewitt. The exhibit runs through April 6th, 2007 in the WBGO Gallery at 54 Park Place, Newark, N.J.

Hidden Histories explores each artist's interpretation of their African and African American heritage in various ways. It reveals the different stories of each artist and their experiences through the art of photography.

Tribal Sculptures Dressed in Western Clothing

The impact of historical events becomes relevant through the lives and personal identity of artists Derrick Adams and Leslie Hewitt. Derrick Adams challenges the viewer's idea of what authentic African identity is by capturing images of tribal sculptures dressed in western clothing. While, Leslie Hewitt's work " Riffs in Real Time" refers to hip hop sampling by combining images from Ebony Magazine circa 1950, Civil Rights era photographs, and family snapshots.

Both A. Olusegun Fayemi and Deborah Willis re-establish and sustain African American traditions in their work. Fayemi's images depict various scenes of Nigerian and Nigerian American life referencing the art of woodcut prints. Deborah Willis's work Daddy's Ties and Enslaved- Mourning Ties combines the African American tradition of quilt making with both historical and personal photographic images.