A Poetics of Baldwin: Archives, Art & Critical Memory

Join us for A Poetics of Baldwin: Archives, Art & Critical Memory, a dynamic exhibition featuring artist Sabrina Nelsonin conversation with curators Ashara Ekundayo and Omo Misha, moderated by Ming Joi Washington. This special program is presented in conjunction with Frontline Prophet James Baldwin. This multi-sensory exhibition explores the enduring impact of Baldwin’s work through the lens of Black archival practices and artistic interpretation.

As we navigate a politically fraught era—marked by intensified assaults on human rights, economic security, and cultural expression—Baldwin’s centennial reminds us of the necessity of exhibitions and community-based archives that preserve historical memory and inspire critical resistance. Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin was conceived as a traveling testament to Baldwin’s legacy, taking on renewed significance as an act of remembrance and defiance against systemic oppression.

This conversation will examine how Nelson’s practice engages with Baldwin’s incisive critiques of American democracy and its entanglements with white supremacy. Through art and archival work, Frontline Prophet amplifies Baldwin’s voice while emphasizing the role of artists as architects of counter-narratives. In mounting this exhibition during political and cultural upheaval, we explore the transformative power of art as a tool for resistance, storytelling, and collective memory.

Don’t miss this powerful dialogue at the intersection of art, activism, and historical preservation.

Streaming via the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Streamyard. Register below.