"Through Our Eyes" Documentary - An African American Art Exhibit

Summary

Through Our Eyes is an annual exhibit showcasing new works by African American artists, celebrating its 25th year with the theme 'Struggle and Resistance.' With 27 artists and over a hundred pieces, it offers a diverse cultural experience, inspiring community pride and healing through art.

Takeaways

• 🎨 'Through Our Eyes' is an annual exhibit showcasing new works by African American artists, reflecting a common theme for public viewing.
• 📅 The exhibit celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2018 with the theme 'Struggle and Resistance'.
• 👥 This year's exhibit features 27 artists from various fields, including visual and creative arts.
• 🌟 The exhibit is seen as uplifting, inspiring, and a cultural destination for the community.
• 🏢 It originated at WJCT as part of the celebration for African American History Month.
• 🖼 The exhibit provides an opportunity for people to view art by artists who share their racial background, fostering a sense of belonging.
• 🌐 The exhibit has gained international recognition, with a request from the Government of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to host it.
• 👦 For some artists, art has been a positive influence since childhood, steering them away from negative influences in their neighborhoods.
• 🎭 Over the 25 years, 'Through Our Eyes' has displayed the work of over a hundred local artists from the Jacksonville community.
• 🎉 The exhibit is more than an art show; it's a cultural experience that the community is encouraged to appreciate and support.
• 📈 The exhibit has grown from a few artists to 27, covering a large space with over a hundred pieces in various art forms, including fabric art, collage, sculpture, and wall paintings.
• 💖 Participation in the exhibit is seen as a way to inspire children and provide hope, especially for those facing racial challenges in America.
• 🌈 The exhibit aims to bring diversity to the art world, which is particularly important for children to see representation in all forms of culture.
• 🏛 The community is encouraged to take pride in the work of African American artists and to understand the nourishing role of art beyond entertainment.
• 🧘‍♂️ Art is viewed as a healing force for the community, addressing centuries of mental distress, though acknowledging the healing process takes time.
• 🏙 The exhibit has become a cultural asset to Jacksonville and the surrounding communities, changing the cultural landscape over its 25-year history.

Q & A

What is the 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit?

The 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit is an annual event that showcases new works by African American artists, all addressing a common theme and displayed for the public to view.

What was the theme for the 2018 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit?

The theme for 'Through Our Eyes 2018' was 'Celebrating 25 Years, Struggle and Resistance.'

How many artists participated in the 2018 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit?

In 2018, there were 27 artists participating in the 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit, representing various fields of art.

What types of artists are involved in the 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit?

The exhibit includes not only visual artists but also creative artists, indicating a diverse range of artistic disciplines.

Why is the 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit considered important for the community?

The exhibit is seen as uplifting, inspiring, and a cultural destination, providing a positive representation of African American people and their experiences.

How did the 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit originate?

The exhibit was born at WJCT as part of a celebration of African American History Month, offering an opportunity for people to view art by artists who look like them.

What is the significance of the exhibit going international?

The exhibit going international, with a request from the Government of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, signifies its impact and the desire to represent American, Jacksonville, and the artists involved on a global stage.

How has the 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit evolved over its 25 years?

Over its 25 years, the exhibit has grown from a handful of artists to featuring over a hundred local artists from the Jacksonville community, showcasing a wide range of art forms.

What is the role of art in the lives of the artists involved in the 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit?

For many artists, art has been a lifelong companion, providing joy, a means to bring the community together, and a positive influence that steers them away from negative aspects of their neighborhood.

What is the variety of art forms represented in the 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit?

The exhibit includes a wide range of art forms such as fabric art, collage, sculpture, and even wall paintings, showcasing the artists' diverse talents and creative expressions.

What is the intended impact of the 'Through Our Eyes' exhibit on the community?

The exhibit aims to inspire pride in the work created by African Americans, foster a sense of understanding about the importance of art for nourishing the soul, and contribute to the healing of the community over time.