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Emergence Sea: The Identities of Black American Descendants of Slaves

February 27, 2019

On February 27, the school hosted a special exhibit featuring the work of artists James Terrell and Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell in honor of Black History Month. The exhibit Emergence Sea offered a bold, vivid and though-provoking showcase of paintings that explored the identities of Black American descendants of slaves. The collection was a snapshot into the many colors and tones of black life in America and what it means to be building a young culture.

Known for their afro-futurist flair and surrealist abstract portraits, the Terrells, a husband-and-wife team of visual artists living in Washington, DC, put everyday life front and center and feature portraits of singers, preachers, mothers, families, and friends.

Both artists are currently curating a youth art competition and teaching art workshops in the greater Washington, DC area and working toward opening a black gallery and auction house also in the city.

Photo album