Angela Davis Johnson‘s newest paintings are about the history of lynching in the United States, and they go on exhibit tonight, 5-7:30 p.m., at Argenta Gallery, 413 Main St., North Little Rock.

Davis calls the series “Ashes on the Fruit Trees.” She explains in the gallery news release:

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“I decided to approach this body of work with a question: If ashes spoke about the history of American lynching (both of the distant past and present) what would they say? Through twenty-six paintings I explore the trauma, and ultimately the dignity of a survived people. The work comprises of eight un-stretched canvases anchored onto wood with rope. Eighteen small monotypes with the words of sorrow songs/contemporary lyrics act as connector between the larger work. This piece [above] is titled “remember.” It is an Ash Spirit. Hanging nooses in her tree hair are calling us to remember the lives of lost and understand the pain of the present.” 

Strong stuff from an always thoughtful artist. Read more about her work here and here.

 

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