2016
From MOUSSOR to TIGNON: The Evolution of the Head-Tie
September 10 - October 11, 2016
Presented by the Olaju Art Group
The Olaju Art Group is pleased to announce the release of our latest collection of photographs by Juliana Kasimu, ‘From Moussor to Tignon: The Evolution of the Head-Tie’. This portraiture series reflects on the sensationalism of head wraps worn by women of color in past and present societies. By tracing the history of this notorious fashion statement, Kasumu presents unique perspectives into the linkages between Creole women of color in New Orleans and signares in Senegal.
Please join us for the opening reception of this special exhibition at The McKenna Museum of African American Art on Saturday, September 10th, between 6-9PM. Event schedule includes an artist talk exploring Kasumu’s research findings plus a tignon-tying workshop facilitated by Madame Barbara Trevigne. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.olajuartgroup.org
PAST
Noirlinians Fashion Blog Photography Exhibition
PhotoNOLA 2015 Exhibition
December 12th -February 27th, 2016 (extended)
The McKenna Museum is proud to annouce that we will be partnering with the New Orleans Photo Alliance for PhotoNOLA 2015.
This year we will be featuring photographers: danielle c. miles, Patrick Melon, Asia-Vinae "Preach" Palmer and Latoya 'Blaze Like Fyre' Edwards from the Noirlinians blog.
For more information visit: www.noirlinians.wordpress.com
Image: Patrick Melon
Must be Two Sides: The Dualities of the Black Experience
Vitus Shell
March 19th - July 9th, 2016
Curator: Jennifer Williams
Vitus Shell's paintings encompass a depth and intensity usually displayed in the work of artists far past his age. While a student at MCA, the Monroe, La., native traveled and learned more about different cultures and art forms.To date, he has accumulated an impressive list of achievements, some of which include: participating in exhibits at universities, museums, and private galleries across the country; painting a mural for the National Civil Rights Museum's NBA Pioneers exhibit; and being commissioned to do public art by the Memphis UrbanArt Commission. Opportunities for Shell continue to arise for him and he leaves himself open to all they have to offer. He is humble about his bright future, yet poised to become of the greatest artistic "voices" of his generation.
For more information on Vitus Shell, please visit: www.theshellofvitus.com.
Image: "Target" Vitus Shell
RAISE
Jeannette Ehlers
April 16th -July 16th, 2016
Curator(s): Taylor Le Melle & Michael K. Wilson
Image Credit: Jeannette Ehlers, Black Bullets, 2012 (Film Still). Image Courtesy the Artist.
Jeannette Ehlers: Raise at The George and Leah McKenna Museum for African American Art in New Orleans will be the first solo exhibition of the Danish-Trinidadian artist’s work in the United States. Ehlers’ artistic practice is driven by an impetus to combat a cultural amnesia regarding the legacy of European colonialism, and specifically highlights Denmark’s role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Alongside an exhibition that will include recent video and sculptural works, Ehlers will produce several new performances conceived during her one-month residency in New Orleans. Underpinning Ehlers’ live works are considerations of race, nationalism, cultural expectation, and colonial violence. All of the performances will invite the participation and engagement of the black residents of New Orleans.
For more information please visit: www.jeannetteehlerss.dk