The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Presents Works from the CCH Pounder-Koné Collection in Double ID
Exhibition showcases works from the collection of acclaimed actress CCH Pounder, examining W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of “double consciousness” through contemporary artworks centering the inner self, identity, and evolving spirit of Black men
(Detroit, MI) The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (The Wright Museum) is pleased to present Double ID, a monumental exhibition bringing together 54 works from the private collection of acclaimed actress CCH Pounder (the CCH Pounder-Koné Collection). On view April 26 – October 20, 2024, the exhibition foregrounds depictions of Black men, exploring various representational strategies through the lens of W.E.B. Du Bois’ theory of “double consciousness.”
The exhibition’s curatorial framework was conceptualized by Neil A. Barclay, President and CEO of The Wright, in consideration of the legacies of double consciousness and its continued relevance in the contemporary Black experience. First presented in Du Bois’ 1903 collection of essays The Souls of Black Folk, double consciousness describes the dissonance of Black self-perception within a dominant white society, and the conflicting journey to understanding oneself as a result.
Featuring works by an intergenerational group of artists across the African Diaspora, Double ID paints a multifaceted portrait of Black masculinity, challenging stereotypes about Black men throughout history and culture. The selection of featured artists range from those with emerging practices to internationally renowned artists including Greg Bailey, Elizabeth Catlett, Louis Delsarte, Tewodros Hagos, Sesse Ngeselin-Elangwe, Fahamu Pecou, Ebony G. Patterson, Malick Sidibé, Alexi Torres and Kehinde Wiley.
“We are so thrilled to be back at the Wright Museum showing other aspects of contemporary African diasporic works in our collection,” says actress, collector and gallerist CCH Pounder. “We look forward to hearing the questions, controversies and joy it will create.”
In addition to critically acclaimed film and television roles, including NCIS: New Orleans and ER, Ms. Pounder has been widely recognized for her expansive art collection and devoted patronage of the arts. Her private collection, which includes more than 500 works, has been presented in several touring exhibitions, including QUEEN: From the Collection of CCH Pounder, which was presented at The Wright in 2020, and ICONS: Ideals of Black Masculinity, from which Double ID was subsequently developed.
“This exhibition asks us to consider the ways in which Black men see themselves, and are seen in today's society,” says Barclay. “It would not be possible were it not for the generosity of CCH
Pounder. Ms. Pounder has allowed us to bring this collection to The Wright at this critical moment in our history and supported our curation through the framework of W.E.B. DuBois' work.”
Double ID will be on view at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History starting April 26 through October 20, 2024. Learn more about the exhibition at thewright.org.
About The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History was founded in 1965 and for over half a century, the museum has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African Americans. Located in the heart of midtown Detroit’s cultural center, The Wright Museum’s mission is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. Through dozens of permanent and visiting exhibitions, over 150 learning and engagement programs, as well as education and research opportunities for adults, children, and visiting scholars, The Wright inspires visitors toward greater understanding, acceptance, and unity by reflecting on the triumphs and tragedies of African American history. And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture is the museum’s 22,000 square foot, immersive core exhibit. The Wright Museum houses over 35,000 artifacts and archival materials and offers hundreds of programs and events annually.
About CCH Pounder
Award winning actress CCH Pounder has been extensively involved with the arts as a patron, collector, gallery owner and museum founder. Ms. Pounder’s collection consists of Caribbean and African artists and artists of the African Diaspora. Her collection is heavily concentrated in the area of Contemporary Art but also includes traditional African sculptures. In 1992, Pounder and her husband, the late Boubacar Koné, founded and built the Musée Boribana, the first privately owned contemporary museum in Dakar Senegal, which they gifted to that nation in 2014. Ms. Pounder’s personal collection contains over 500 works of art, many of which she has loaned to Xavier University of Louisiana for a series of exhibitions and some loans which have been on exhibit at Somerset House in England, Kent State Museum, the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Art Institute of Chicago, AD&A Museum UC Santa Barbara, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Spelman College Museum of Art, as well as recent exhibits at The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, MI and The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago.
Media Contacts:
Char Yates, Dir. Media Relations
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
cyates@thewright.org
313.494-5839
Kelly Miner, Marketing & Communications Manager
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
kminer@thewright.org
313.494.5865