Dr. Lance Tatum, President | Northwest Missouri State University
Dr. Lance Tatum, President | Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University is set to host an exhibit that delves into the use of visual art by rural, Black Southern families as a form of resistance and narrative reclamation. The exhibition, titled "An Archive of Care: Reframing Our Understanding of Family, Place, and Identity," showcases the work of Robin North, an interdisciplinary visual artist and educator from the Gulf Coast in Texas.
The exhibit will be available for public viewing at the Olive Deluce Art Gallery from January 23 through February 21. It will open with a lecture by North and a reception on January 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Additionally, North will engage with Northwest students in various events including a fireside chat with Dr. Shay Malone on January 22.
Dr. Karen Britt expressed enthusiasm about introducing North's work to the community, stating: “We feel very privileged to introduce the work of Robin North to our community through his gripping exhibition in the DeLuce Gallery." She described the exhibition as exploring complex historical narratives in deeply moving ways.
Robin North uses Grounded Theory and Visual Anthropological research methods to educate and decolonize knowledge beyond Western narratives. His artistic focus lies on African Diaspora and African American historical narratives, particularly how photography has been used historically to undermine Black representation. Through his work, he seeks to challenge dominant historical frameworks and provide alternative interpretations.
North holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Houston and a Master of Fine Arts from San Diego State University. He is noted for his innovative approach combining both analog and digital techniques.
The exhibit is co-sponsored by Northwest Missouri State University with support from the Missouri Arts Council. Other exhibits planned include a ceramics display featuring Artaxis artists from March 24 through April 18, along with student-created works scheduled for March 3-7 and April 11 through May 2.
For gallery information or inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to call or email using provided contact details.
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