The current photography exhibit at Featherstone Center for the Arts takes its inspiration from a Toni Morrison phrase from her novel Beloved: “How can I say things that are pictures.”
The current photography exhibit at Featherstone Center for the Arts takes its inspiration from a Toni Morrison phrase from her novel Beloved: “How can I say things that are pictures.”
Interiority was curated by Sandra Grymes, and features 10 photographers from across the country. The show opened on July 27 and continues through August 17.
“It gave me an opportunity to bring together 10 outstanding artists who really document the lives of people, center Black life and extol our shared humanity,” said Ms. Grymes. “That’s what I try to do.”
Ayana Jackson posing with one of her images.
Ayana Jackson posing with one of her images.
Walking into the gallery, one is greeted by a striking image by artist Ayana V. Jackson, entitled Mary Fields: One of the Freest Souls Ever to Draw a Breath or a .38. Ms. Fields lived from 1832 to 1914 and was the first Black woman to work as a star route postwoman.
Additional artists in the exhibit include Rahim Fortune, Genevieve Gaignard, Lyle Ashton Harris, Fabiola Jean-Louis, John Pinderhughes, Sienna Pinderhughes, Frank Stewart, Carrie Mae Weems and Deborah Willis.
Each photograph presents a unique vision and a moving message.
“When you see an art show, it’s important that it speaks to you in some way, so that you have a full experience,” said Ms. Grymes.
Ms. Grymes is a seasonal resident of the Vineyard who also lives in New York City and is a board member at the Studio Museum in Harlem.
Artistic work by Carrie Mae Weems.
Artistic work by Carrie Mae Weems.
“It’s wonderful to be able to bring artists with that kind of reputation to the Vineyard, bringing something fresh and new, especially for people who may not travel a lot, to get to see some of these artists who are showing around the country,” she said.
Ms. Grymes curated one previous show at Featherstone titled, The Beautiful Difference, in 2018.
“The process of curating is engaging and challenging and fun,” said Ms. Grymes. “It brings some fresh energy to the gallery space, to the Island. Their work plays off of the other, and all the work is in dialogue with each other.”
The exhibit encourages the viewer to interact with the show as a whole, as well as spending time with each individual piece.
“When you look at the work, and you look at it carefully, and you take a second look, there are layers and layers of things that the work may communicate,” Ms. Grymes said. “They may look one way at first glance, but when you look at it more closely, there may be other things going on.”
For more information, visit featherstoneart.org.
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