An enslaved African-American artist, David Drake produced utilitarian alkaline-glazed stoneware jugs on a large scale between the 1820s–’70s in Edgefield, SC. During a time and place where literacy for an enslaved person was considered a crime, his “poem-jars”—carved with inscriptions of short poems, biblical verses or sayings—are widely considered an act of resistance. Curated by Teresa Bramlette Reeves and Clare Wolfe, “Earth Bound” rejoins Drake’s jar from the MMCC’s permanent collection with the only other three known to be privately owned in the county. Bridging a connection between the past and present, Drake’s works are presented in conjunction with a gallery installation by contemporary artist Zipporah Camille Thompson. A 2015 MFA graduate from the Lamar Dodd School of Art, Thompson is now represented by Whitespace in Atlanta. Exploring alchemy, landscape and identity through clay and textiles, her mixed-media installations embody a subtle magic.
WHO: “Earth Bound” Opening Reception
WHEN: Thursday, May 5, 6–8 p.m.
WHERE: Madison-Morgan Cultural Center
HOW MUCH: FREE!
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