The Center for the Visual Arts will present Reflections in Black: Smithsonian African-American Photography – A History Deconstructed Oct. 30-Dec. 13. Several special events are scheduled in conjunction with the exhibition.

Reflections in Black features photography by African-American artists who redefine the photographic image by looking at it as a document and metaphor, often deconstructing and reconstructing their personal histories and public personas. The symbolic and expressive imagery of the works produced during this time offers a new visual paradigm.

Among the featured artists are Albert Chong, Lorna Simpson, Lynn Marshall-Linnemeir, Thomas Allan Harris and Lyle Ashton Harris, Cynthia Wiggins, Carla Williams, Carrie Mae Weems, Chris Johnson and Stephen Marc.

Special guest Carla Williams, an artist in Reflections in Black and co-author of “The Black Female Body,” will be on campus Nov. 6 to speak about her work and the history of African American photography.

Special Events

Opening Reception
Thursday, Nov. 6, 7–9 p.m.

Access to Art Talks
Slide lecture by Carla Williams. In North Classroom 1326 - Thursday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m.

Mama’s Always on Stage: Black Women’s Bodies in Cultural Performance - A multimedia dialogue between Carla Williams and Ashara Ekundayo. At CVA - Friday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m.

Call and Response: African American Artists Deconstruct the Image - lecture by Deanne Pytlinski. At CVA - Friday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.

Kwanzaa Family Day, and XYZ Art and Spoken Word
At CVA - Saturday, Dec. 13. Family day, 1-5 p.m. XYZ, 7-9 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.

Reflections in Black is organized by the Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution, and is circulated by Curatorial Assistance. The exhibition is sponsored by Holt & Stalder, Metro State Student Affairs Board, Pan African Arts Society and The Keg Steakhouse and Bar. Access to Art series is sponsored by The Eulipions Foundation and Quizno’s. The Center for the Visual Arts is located at 1734 Wazee St. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 303-294-5207.