What Lies B ‘N” eath was an extraordinary exhibit that portrayed life’s emotional roller coasters for blacks in America.
Visiting the exhibit was an unforgettable experience. What stood out the most was the usage of the word “nigger”.
I actually felt the strength of its hate in the distinctive images portrayed by the various artists. The word “nigger” has been revamped and dismantled by many people.
As I walked into the exhibit, the first piece that caught my attention was “Nigger”, by Tomiko Pilsen.
“If I was you, I would hate me to”, was the words written in each individual letter. I suppose the reason why it caught my attention so quickly was because it was a piece, in pieces.
After analyzing and observing, I understood and felt the mood which determined a purpose “jealously”, in my eyes.
Are we human’s?, the last time I checked, I was. What makes black people different from the other races besides the color of our skin?
We bleed the same color blood; we breathe the same air, why does the color of my skin matter?
“Dressed up/Addressed”, by Kreshuan McKinney portrayed elegance.
The portrait conveyed the perspective that no matter how much you may dress up the word, it has the same meaning, negativity.
LaShawanda Crowe’s piece, “Family Values” was also an excellent piece.
Those so call family values exemplified in this portrait showed images of deceit, negativity and ungodliness. The painting showed a man being lynched while a family surrounds his body with smiles of gratitude.
Denerale Sanjuah Jones, the artist of “James” exemplified a portrait that stood for innocence.
In the inscription identifying the piece stood,” I was later to go home and ask the inevitable question that every black parent must face, mommy, what does ‘nigger’ mean?” ,Gloria Naylor.
The statement is considerably a question but in all actuality unexplainable.
In the 1996 edition of Webster’s dictionary the word nigger has three definitions, a black person, member of any dark-skinned race and a socially disadvantaged class of people which is usually taken as offensive.
The art exhibit was an exceptional portrayal of what the word nigger means depicting how the usage of the word is blatantly used in today’s society.
Art is a human creativity using any specific skill to portray creative works of an individual and their purpose.
The exhibit it will continue to be on display until March 30, located on the first floor of the Foster Tanner Arts building.
Gabrielle Finley can be reached at Gabrielle_finley@hotmail.com