Celebrating Six Decades of Black Art: WEUSI Exhibition in NYC

Reflections of WEUSI: Celebrating 60 Years of Black Art

As we enter Stress Awareness Month this April, The Children's Art Carnival in collaboration with Hamilton Landmark Galleries is set to unveil a poignant exhibition titled Reflections of WEUSI 1965 – Present. This showcase honors the impactful legacy of the WEUSI Artist Collective, a pioneering group that has significantly influenced the narrative of Black art. The exhibition opens to the public on April 26, following an exclusive press preview on April 24.

The exhibition promises to be a multi-sensory experience, weaving together visual art, live drumming, poetry readings, and dance performances, all aimed at celebrating how Black art serves as a vital source of healing and cultural pride. As we confront rising levels of stress and anxiety in today's world, Reflections of WEUSI stands as a tribute to the past, while simultaneously calling for a revival of the spirit through artistic expression. Kim Hamilton, the founder of Hamilton Landmark Galleries, emphasizes the importance of the event, stating, "After thirty years, we still partner with the Weusi Collective to elevate awareness of contemporary artists resonating with the Black Arts Movement."

Founded in the vibrant community of Harlem in 1965, the WEUSI Collective, meaning "Blackness" in Swahili, emerged as a revolutionary force in the arts. At a time when mainstream institutions sidelined Black voices, WEUSI created its platforms, most notably with the establishment of Nyumba Ya Sanaa (“House of Art”), the first Black artist-run gallery in Harlem, which opened its doors in 1967. This initiative laid the groundwork for a deeper embedding of African symbolism, spirituality, and political commentary within the American art scene.

Prominent founding members of the WEUSI Collective included artists such as Ben Jones, Otto Neals, Taiwo DuVall, Ademola Olugebefola, and Emmett Wigglesworth, among others. These trailblazers not only altered the course of Black identity and representation in art but also inspired subsequent generations of Black artists who continue to build upon this rich legacy.

In honoring WEUSI, Michael Unthank, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Children's Art Carnival, remarked, "The WEUSI Artist Collective served as a catalyst for the Black Arts Movement of the ‘60s, leaving an indelible mark on Harlem's cultural fabric." This acknowledgment speaks to the collective’s broader impact, contributing to the foundation of notable institutions like The Studio Museum in Harlem and the Schomburg Center, and inspiring community galleries across the nation.

Special performances are slated to accompany the exhibition, with featured guests like spoken word poet Luther Isler, known as The Artist Anubis, and master percussionist Baba Don "Babatunde" Eaton. Their work intricately blends themes of mental wellness and the powerful vibrations of rhythm and artistry, embodying the exhibition’s central theme of art as a healing force.

Reflections of WEUSI 1965 – Present is more than a mere exhibition; it represents a heartfelt invitation to experience the restorative and revolutionary power of Black art. As we gather to commemorate six decades of genius and artistry, the event aims to uplift not only our minds but also our bodies and spirits.

For media inquiries, images, and additional information, entities are encouraged to reach out to Karen Taylor Bass via email at [email protected] or call 917-509-3061. You can also visit the Children's Art Carnival website for further updates on this significant exhibition.

Join us in this vital celebration of culture, creativity, and community!