Story and Photos by Tashia Hogue Data News Weekly Contributor
James Baldwin is notable for his literary works. However, his role in advocating for equality along with his discussions surrounding the comprehension of profound social changes is what makes his impact on the Black community timeless. The echoes of Baldwin’s insights through art urged others to confront, engage, and transform their understanding of the world.
Baldwin’s visionary is currently on display as part of a new exhibit “Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin,” a travelling exhibition by Detroit native Sabrina Nelson at the New Orleans African American Museum on Governor Nicholls Street.
“Thinking about what he wrote, what his words said, and why it’s important to revisit them, often we read books and we put them back on the shelf. It’s okay to reread them and let them sink in, and to also pay it forward to people who have never read Baldwin,” Nelson said.
The exhibit is co-curated by Omo Misha and Ashara Ekundayo to showcase Nelson’s portrayal of Baldwin as a global thinker whose ideals hold relevance today and into the future. Nelson’s work is inspired by Eastern and African philosophies. The Detroit Institute of Art studio Art Teacher has worked as an artist for over 35 years with exhibits showcased across the country including at Art Basel Miami and abroad at the American University in Paris.
“We know that New Orleans has impacted not only those of us who live here, but the entire world,” said Gia Hamilton, the Executive Director and Chief Curator at NOAAM, who praised the curators for their contribution to the museum as she shared the historical significance of the Tremé area at the exhibit’s opening on Nov. 9th.
“When we think about Detroit, this is our sister city, we know that artists, writers, cultural barriers, activists, and folks who are interested in changing the world are tethered by values and speaking truth, so it’s important we host these events,” Hamilton said.
New Orleans is the second stop for this traveling exhibition that will be on display until January 2024. Jazz Music celebrated Nelson and her mission to bring James Baldwin’s work and impact to life at the exhibit launch.
“The exhibition is just so powerful it really connects to what is happening right now, just in the world a lot of people are quoting James Baldwin,” said Britaney Kemp, a Decatur, GA. native, who attended the opening of the exhibit. She said that Nelson’s work prompted her to reflect on her own creative journey as an artist.
“I continuously got chills. Just being in the space, seeing the art, and the beautiful faces in the room gave me a sense of hope, and also gave me a creative flair as well of like, how can I recreate James Baldwin in my own style?” Kemp added.
Nelson’s vision transcended the physical space of the exhibition, as supporters gathered with questions and exchanged stories, along with famous Baldwin quotes. Nelson said her goal was evident: to invigorate minds and to foster conversations to keep the ongoing legacy of James Baldwin relevant.
The Frontline Prophet Exhibition invites viewers to face the challenges of their time, offering a lens through James Baldwin, a “truth-teller,” whose work continues to guide in navigating the complexities of race, identity, and social injustices, Hamilton said.
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