For centuries, art and object making has served as a tool of resistance. Through song, dance, and hand-made objects, ancient cultures gave praise, asked for strength, and mobilized their peoples in order to fight against evils both physical and metaphysical. In modern history, artists have used their practice to provide social commentary and critiques against injustices affecting humans worldwide. Unveiling Resistance is a snapshot of the broad scope of issues concerning artists based in the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. This exhibition hosts a captivating group of artworks regarding issues including the prison industrial complex, refugee crises, racialized violence, and other oppressive systems inflicted on marginalized groups.

Artists in this exhibition use well-known figures such as Kwame Ture (otherwise known as Stockley Carmichael), Sam Sharpe, and the “Founding Fathers” of the United States to draw attention to important historical accounts as well as propagandas that force us to question the information we’ve been indoctrinated with. Other artworks depicting scenes of dilapidated neighborhoods, protests and marches, and refugee migrations portray communities currently under siege. Controversial objects such as the American flag, ropes, fire hoses, and African masks illustrate the intricacies of oppression - they each invoke complex thoughts and emotions that are determined by one’s own life experiences. 

The mere fact that this exhibition exists is an act of resistance and an exercise in a freedom of speech we have the privilege of utilizing. Change begins when we each start to question why and how we need to alter our own participation in the status quo. Through platforms such as this, we are able to identify these atrocities and amplify the voices that dare to speak out against them, while at the same time incorporating symbols of victory. By including both scenes of struggle and triumph, Unveiling Resistance aims to inspire the impulses necessary to create the change we want to see in the world. Like Dr. Kaba Kamene said, “It ain’t over ‘til we win.” So, let's continue to galvanize a positive social evolution.

Curator’s Note:

In the process of jurying this exhibition, I had to choose artwork that fit my vision of active “resistance”. I chose works that spoke to the two-pronged approach I took when conceptualizing my definition of resistance at this particular moment. I was looking for artwork that either showcased and shed light on a particular social issue, history, or idea that could lead to change, or artwork depicting physical resistance (such as a protest). Due to the global representation held within this exhibition, these sorts of works bring attention to issues that viewers may have never been exposed to nor may be able to relate to. This creates a transformational experience that can transport viewers into different worlds - hopefully building empathy in the process.

My favorite part about participating in open call juried shows is that anyone can enter, so entries are submitted by an array of people with a plethora of backgrounds, knowledge, talents, and interests. There is also a diverse group of mediums including painting, sculpture, installation, found object embleges, poems, videos, performances, and collage. Each of them have their way of inspiring resistance. The artists in this show continue to impress and motivate me to continue the work that I am doing. Thank you to Community College of Baltimore County for providing an important platform for this work to be seen and appreciated.