Thanks to monies donated towards understanding Blackness and addressing anti-Black racism, University of South Florida’s Contemporary Art Museum showcases Black artists and photographers in two separate exhibitions this spring, “Griffith J. Davis Photographs and Archives in Context” and “Marking Monuments.”
“Griffith J. Davis Photographs and Archives in Context” explores the life and career of pioneering African American photojournalist and diplomat, Griffith J. Davis (1923-1993), in the context of art from important Black contemporary artists.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, only USF faculty, staff and students are permitted to see the exhibition in person, and by appointment only. But USF CAM has graciously put a 3D tour of the exhibition online for those of us who cannot attend in person. If you enjoy slideshows, I recommend watching the opening reception via Facebook Live, where Dorothy Davis presents a slideshow of her father’s most iconic photographs, followed by a slideshow from curators Noel Smith and Christian Viveros-Fauné introducing the six contemporary Black artists whose work is also included in the exhibition.
“Marking Monuments” plays on people’s fears that toppling Confederate monuments is erasing our history by presenting alternative monuments that tell a different story altogether. In contrast to Confederate monuments, which appear to honor racism, these sculptures honor the idea of a more equitable culture
See them online Thursday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m., via Zoom or Facebook Live. Through Mar. 6, USF CAM, 3821 USF Holly Dr., Tampa. cam.usf.edu
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This article appears in Jan 28 – Feb 3, 2021.
