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a movement in every direction:legacies of the great migration

4/13/2022

12 Comments

 
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pictured Akea Brionne's An Ode to Y(ou)'all
A Movement in Every Direction presented by The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) is here!
​Read along as I share the purpose behind the esteemed exhibition, artist highlights and personal insight upon attending the opening weekend events hosted at the MMA in Downtown Jackson.
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pictured with the exhibition co-curators Ryan Dennis & Jessica Bell Brown

a Movement in Every direction:legacies of the great migration

This national expedition explores themes of perseverance, self-determination, family, and the profound impact the Great Migration had economically, socially and culturally across the country then and still today. Featuring newly commissioned compelling works of 12 acclaimed Black artists from all over the country.

Early in the 20th century, more than 6 million Black Americans moved from the south to cities in the north, midwest, and west.
​This migration is no one person's story, and these artist have created incredible installations of varied art mediums inspired by their personal family connection to the movement and history itself. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to experience the exhibition led by the co-curators themselves, Ryan Dennis & Jessica Bell Brown. Together these ladies gave an in-depth overview of each artists creation, being very insightful with details about how the exhibition came to fruition.  

The opening weekend event was a culmination of many conversations, storytellings, and celebrations in honor of this landmark exhibition. Now let's delve into some of the legacies of the Great Migration!

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Theaster Gates Jr., The Double Wide- born in Chicago, with both parents born here in Mississippi. His sculptural installation composed of large pine structures resembles a double-wide trailer owned by his uncle as a depot of relics, a Black Madonna and child, and lots pickled goods . If you live in the south, you have had some type of pickled food from a jar... just sayin'! ​He also performed opening night w/ The Black Monks, using his work as a stage front. Theaster's particular sound is rooted in the blues and the gospel inspired by summers spent in Mississippi. In this exhibit, he has recreated the vibe of the south through taste, feeling, and sound. 

​www.msmuseumart.org/the-great-migration/featured-artists/theaster-gates/
Theaster Gates Jr. & The Black Monks performance opening night.

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Allison Janae Hamilton, A House Called Florida- born in Kentucky, raised in Florida. Allison has created a 35 minute, three-channel film installation of a love letter to her home state interpreting land loss & heritage as a connection between Black life and southern living. Through this medium Allison speculates the future of Black migration will directly relate to climate instability in the south. It's described as 'haunting.' Watching it from different screen views was quite captivating.

www.msmuseumart.org/the-great-migration/featured-artists/allison-janae-hamilton/
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Steffani Jemison, A*ray- born in California, family from the Carolinas & Alabama. Steffani's work in this exhibit is a 30 min video installation featuring actress Lakia Black and acting coach monologues. Referencing 'TikTok' as a connection between past and present through language and music. This installation is light-hearted on the surface, but captures the impact of the Great Migration continuing to unfold in todays trends.

www.msmuseumart.org/the-great-migration/featured-artists/steffani-jemison/


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Akea Brionne, An Ode to Y(ou)'all., New Orleans born with family ties to Columbus MS. Akea's collection of hand-sewn tapestries incorporates photos from her great grandmother family archives. Her installation had me at HELLO! Akea's great grandmother's strength and resilience were made physical through creations of Jacquard, poly-fil, and rhinestones.  Rhinestones, as adornments on  clothing are considered the highest regard in the Black community.

I was born in California, raised in the south (Jackson MS) by my maternal grandmother.  She heavily inspired my love and dedication to fashion. To this day, she will share photo albums of family while we casually 'hang around the house.'   Akea personally shared how these photographs found in her great grandmother's home helped preserve her family's legacy. This deeply resonated with me.  
​Each woven piece tells a story of familial significance with dimensional embellished details.

My favorite in this series is the 'How I Hate To Leave' tapestry. In response to how the Great Migration directly impacted Akea, this piece emotes feeling of hope and despair as her great grandmother's brothers prepare to leave behind their sisters, migrating to New Mexico for the betterment of the family descendants. Directly relating to this moment, both of my grandmother's brothers migrated. One went west (California), and the other went midwest (Ohio), seeking a life different than what was possible in Mississippi.

​"An Ode to Y(ou)'all" series by Akea Brionne spoke to me intimately and personally.  Thanks to Akea for this spectacular work.

www.msmuseumart.org/the-great-migration/featured-artists/akea/

discuss, connect, & celebrate
​a movement in every direction:legacies of the great migration

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The opening weekend events included conversations, performances, and an abundance of excitement about this thought-provoking exhibition. I met creators from all surrounding areas, had intimate talks with the artists, and connected with locals to the area about bringing awareness to visit this incredible spectrum of work.
​I encourage everyone from all walks of life to come and explore such cultural experience while discovering your personal ties to this historical movement. 
www.instagram.com/explore/tags/legaciesthegreatmigration/#LegaciesTheGreatMigration
Jamea Richmond-Edwards, This Water Runs Deep
First Lady of Jackson, Dr. Ebony Lumumba
Director of Marketing-MMA, Jana Brady
Mark Bradford, 500
Tracy Anne, Art Enthusiasts from Florida
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, celebrated the opening performing 'Piano Concerto in One Movement' composed by Florence Price, the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer

Click HERE to learn more about MMA hours/tickets, start planning your visit to A Movement In Every Direction exhibition today! 

Disclaimer: This post is part of The Mississippi Museum of Art sponsored campaign.
​I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors, https://www.msmuseumart.org​
12 Comments
Ryan
4/12/2022 11:27:50 pm

Amazing experience! This is one of the best exhibits I’ve been to at the MMA.

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Lafayette
4/13/2022 02:02:44 pm

You can always expect greatness when visiting MMA!
Thanks for stopping !

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Sha
4/13/2022 05:53:00 am

Thank you for sharing these beautiful stories & rich history. This exhibit looks amazing!

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Lafayette
4/13/2022 02:04:48 pm

Of course! Glad you enjoyed reading about this movement. Thanks♥️

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Em
4/13/2022 06:05:32 am

Looks lovely, would love to visit during my next trip!

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Lafayette
4/13/2022 02:07:00 pm

Yes, it’s a must visit! It will be showing throughout September this year. Thanks for stopping by!

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T. Taylor
4/13/2022 07:19:07 am

Great read. You look amazing

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Lafayette
4/13/2022 02:08:11 pm

Thank you! I appreciate your support♥️

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Jasmin M
4/13/2022 10:14:05 am

This was a beautiful blog about this beautiful exhibition!! It’s giving fashion and style with culture and history and I love it!! I can’t wait to visit the exhibition in Baltimore when it comes!! Thanks so much for sharing so many details and photos, definitely makes me more excited to go! I can always count on you for the deets!

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Lafayette
4/26/2022 03:12:42 pm

thank you so much for your kind words! My goal is definitely to inspire ALL to visit, its just THAT good! It makes for a great family day as well. Glad you enjoyed this snippet of what to expect when it comes to Baltimore!

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Dani
4/13/2022 10:16:05 am

This was a wonderful recap! All photos are great! I can’t wait to visit for myself. I love art, history and culture! Thanks!

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Lafayette
4/26/2022 03:14:03 pm

Its a must visit, you are going to love it even more! thanks for stopping by!

Reply



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