Black art has long flourished outside the American margin.

A commitment to joy, vibrance, and wonder in the face of a society which omits and frequently seeks to erase its stories has been its enduring characteristic. This radical self-determination is the spirit celebrated in Melanated Messages.

The Black visual art community in Louisville, specifically in the West End, has a rich and often overlooked history. The artwork in this show is a small but mighty sampling of the present-day artistic talent nurtured by this community. It speaks to a tradition also emblematic of folk art: the passing down of skills and knowledge across kinship, generation over generation. Elder Black artists have taught younger Black artists, sharing wisdom of the diaspora down the line. This legacy of mentorship, often happening outside the walls of academic institutions, has been essential to the longevity of Black art forms.

These artists represent multiple generations of creative expression in various media, including painting, sculpture, collage, and photography. They also represent a wide range of ideas and experiences. Some chronicle Black history; others imagine Black future. The common ground for these artists is storytelling. Their artwork blooms from their lived experiences, with roots in a collective Black experience.

Take heed of these Melanated Messages.

Featured artists include Kofi Darku, Mr. Thomas English, Lance G. Newman II, LaNia Roberts, Geran Thur, Daphne Walker, and Ed White.