Thu 1/21-Sat 3/13
Cleveland photographer Donald Black Jr. has made a name for himself in this area exploring various aspects of Black community and culture in his videos, installations and black and white photography. He looks at how racism and the environment impact identity and family relationships.
For his current show, Nurturing Positivity and Strength, at the Kent State University School of Art Collection and Galleries, he’s paired with Brooklyn, New York artist Dáreece Walker as each artist uses their medium — photography and drawing — to look at the relationships and interactions of Black fathers and their children, aiming to explode lazy stereotypes.
“Simply put, I love the experience of being Black, but this shit is hard,” says Black in his artist statement. “Photography has helped me find a balance with this conflict.”
“This work is meant to celebrate the courage and strength it takes to be a father, and represent real black men in everyday life,” says Walker. “While celebrating black masculinity, the work simultaneously protests the lack of accurate representation of black males in media and art history in America, and champions the preciousness of black youth.”
The show is on view at the KSU Downtown Gallery in Kent through Saturday March 13. It’s free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday @ 10am-6pm, Friday & Saturday @ 11am-5 pm.
kent.edu/galleries/nurturing-positivity-and-strength
141 E Main St, Kent, OH 44240