THE SUSTAINING PRESENCE
STALWARTS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY CLAY

Online Invitational Exhibition Celebrating Black History Month

Guest Curated by Syd Carpenter

Online: February 1 - March 1, 2023

"The African diaspora has influenced globally diverse expressions in music, dance, theatre, literature and the visual arts for more than a century. From the majestic and poetic works of Dave Drake in the 19th century to celebrated works of Simone Leigh in the 21st, Black clay artists have been a consistent community of innovative clay productivity. From pure abstraction to explicit representations of the experience of being Black in America, the presence of Black artists is here represented by notable stalwarts who have continued to creatively enhance the field. Many beginning their careers in the late 60’s and early 70’s, their work reflects the ongoing vibrancy, technical brilliance and creative insight of this group of artists." Syd Carpenter

Participating Artists include: Earline Green, Winnie Owens Hart, Malcolm Mobutu Smith, Sana Musasama, Bobby Scroggins, and Lydia Thompson.

Syd Carpenter

About the Curator

Syd Carpenter lives In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her work is included in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, James A Michener Museum, Tang Museum of Skidmore College, and Fuller Craft Museum. She is a Professor of Studio Art, at Swarthmore College, PA.

Graphic Image: Lydia Thompson, Find Me: Ain’t Sugar & Spice, Ceramics, up-cycle ceramics, ceramic decals, wood and paint, cone 5/6, 19" x 31" x 8.5”, 2022 

Virtual Artist Talk
In Conversation: The Sustaining Presence
Wednesday, February 8th, 7 - 8pm
Moderated by Syd Carpenter with participating artists from the exhibition
Register Here

Read our Blog Post: Black History Month Programming Celebrating Black Ceramic Artists