Topeka, Kan. - “There Is a Woman in Every Color: Black Women in Art” is now open to the public at the Mulvane Art Museum, Rita Blitt Gallery, on the Washburn University campus. The exhibition examines the representation of Black women in the United States over the past two centuries.
Featuring more than 40 works of art, it confronts the history of marginalization and makes visible the presence of women of color in the history of American art. It will be on view in the Rita Blitt Gallery until Oct. 15, 2023.
“We are pleased to present this exhibition as our launch to Mulvane’s centennial celebration along with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board Supreme Court decision,” said Connie Gibbons, director, Mulvane Art Museum.
“There Is a Woman in Every Color” features artwork by a number of important 20th and 21st century artists, including Emma Amos, Elizabeth Catlett, Alma Thomas, Carrie Mae Weems, Betye Saar, Faith Ringgold, Barbara Chase-Riboud, Kara Walker, Mickalene Thomas, LaToya Ruby Frazier and Nyeema Morgan. Supporting this art is a selection of 19th century works that highlight the continuity of experiences of Black women in America. The exhibition is organized in six thematic sections: portraiture, classical beauty, documented histories, labor, artistic exploration and the influence of literature.
“It is my hope that this exhibition will encourage audiences to engage with artists often overlooked in the canon of American art, providing space for their works to stand on the equal footing they so deserve,” said Elizabeth Humphrey, curator of the exhibition.
In the coming months, the Mulvane will present several public programs to promote community engagement with “There Is a Woman in Every Color,” including panel discussions on the themes of the exhibition, a gallery talk with the curator and an artmaking workshop. Follow the museum’s social media channels for updates on these upcoming events and for announcements about other public programs associated with the exhibition.
The main galleries of the Mulvane are closed for renovation. The Rita Blitt Gallery is open Tuesday noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m.
