The Fine Arts Building (FAB) Gallery at South Carolina State University will present “Ancestral Reflections: The Thompson Family,” a collection of paintings and spoken word poetry, on display Feb. 19-29, 2024.
Inspired by family history through the context of African American and local history, the exhibit will visually feature the individual experiences of the relatives of the Thompson family from the Wagener-Salley communities of eastern Aiken County, South Carolina.
The paintings will feature an enslaved relative who demonstrated defiance that led to her being punished by the slave auctioneer, a relative who picked cotton to survive the hardships of sharecropping, a relative who survived slavery and later became a successful agribusinessman, and a relative who was locally lauded for his work in agriculture and pursed continuing education studies in agriculture.
The paintings are inspired by SC State alumnus Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr.’s award winning book, “The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from The Past (1830-1960).”
The exhibition goals are to promote connections between family history visual storytelling, and spoken word poetry, invite community conversations about family history and historical context through observation of the paintings, and reflect on how visual storytelling and spoken word poetry can bring family histories to life. The exhibition seeks to bring family history to life affected by situation in the experiences and allowing the audience to feel affected by the situation in the stories and experiences, thus creating a deeper understanding and respect.
The exhibition will include QR Codes allowing visitors to download historical images, texts, audio clips of spoken word poetry, related to each painting and purchase art prints of the paintings.
Reception on Feb. 22
The exhibition is a collaboration between Curry, founder of Renaissance Publications LLC; SC State alumna exhibition artist Chakalah Crawford, founder of A.D.D. Art by Kalah; and spoken word artist Tavern “TK” Hampton.
There will be an exhibition reception followed by an artist talk and spoken word performance by Curry and Tavern on Thursday, Feb. 22,
at 6 p.m. at the FAB.
The book, “The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from The Past (1830-1960),” will be available for sale after the reception. Ancestral Reflections: The Thompson Family will be on display during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) through Thursday, Feb. 9. The gallery also is open for private tours outside of normal business hours upon request.
Curry is a 2003 SC State graduate and a member of
the university’s inaugural 40 Under 40 Alumni. Curry is the author-in-residence at the Aiken Center for the Arts, where he partners with Aiken County Schools to teach students African American History through his work, in the form of interactive lectures and exhibitions.
Curry has expanded his author-in-residence program beyond Aiken County and is now partnering with other schools across South Carolina. Curry has received accolades for his work and service in African American history. Curry also serves as member of the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum Commission, the South Carolina Arts Directory, and the South Carolina Humanities Speakers Bureau.
Chakalah specializes in acrylic and oil paintings, murals, epoxy installations, and portraits. Chakalah has had opportunities to highlight
her work in exhibits, schools, partners of DJJ, and has traveled out of state to share her work with other communities.
Tavern, a native of Cope, South Carolina, is a spoken word artist who places who places high value on creative, entertaining, and though provoking pieces. Tavern has been featured at the House of Hathor, Mind Gravy, community outreach functions, the Muscadine Festival, Boys
& Girls Club, different club venues, churches, and various open mics across the Southeast.
