"Past Presence: Commemorating Juneteenth" is an exhibition commemorating Juneteenth featuring artists from across the country whose work takes into consideration their own personal history – present or past – as it relates to the Black experience in the United States. Working in a variety of media from photography to sculpture, these artists explore themes of ancestry, modern media narratives, vulnerability and resilience. "Past Presence" is a declaration of PRESENCE - of artists claiming space and demanding to be heard, artists sharing profound moments and eternal truths, artists daring to be artists in the United States of America in 2022 - 165 years after the enslaved in Texas were informed of their freedom.

This exhibition was juried by several esteemed artists, educators and curators from Savannah, Georgia: Amiri Farris, artist and educator; Antonia B. Larkin, artist, curator and Visual Arts Specialist at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center; Lisa Jackson, Education and Community Outreach Liaison at The Savannah African Art Museum; Billie Stultz, Founding Director and Head Curator at The Savannah African Art Museum.

Participating Artists:

Viyanca Bennett
Jasmin Cage, Memphis TN
Abiodun David, Chicago IL
Danisha Edwards, Jacksonville FL
Tiara Unique Francois, Dallas TX
Kayla Grayson
Felicia Greenlee, Seneca SC
Frank Marshall, Savannah GA
Tyriq Maxwell, Savannah GA
Victor Montague, Washington DC
Calvin Wayne Parker, Savannah GA
Tameka Phillips, Savannah GA
T. Owens Union
Napoleon Wilkerson, Savannah GA
Livia Weiss

Exhibition Details

Past Presence: Commemorating Juneteenth will be on display in the Gallery at Sulfur Studios from June 2nd - 25th, 2022 and can be viewed during the gallery’s open hours (TH - SUN, 12 - 5PM). There will be an Opening Reception in conjunction with First Fridays in Starland on Friday, June 3rd from 5 - 9PM and a Jurors’ Talk on Sunday, June 19th at 2PM (in-person and simulcast via IG Live @sulfurstudios). Works from the exhibition may be viewed and purchased at www.sulfurstudios.org/pastpresence.

Past Presence, Commemorating Juneteenth is made possible with

investment by the City of Savannah