American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s

 

November 6, 2011 – January 1, 2012
Today, Faith Ringgold is well known as the progenitor of the African American story quilt revival that began in the late 1970s. The once influential paintings she created during the previous decade, with only a few notable exceptions, disappeared from view, omitted from critical, art historical discourse for more than forty years. This is the first comprehensive survey of these paintings, organized on the occasion of Ringgold’s 80th birthday. The exhibition will include the landmark series American People (1963-1967) and Black Light (1967-1971), along with related murals and political posters. Taken together, these works represent an unprecedented artistic exploration of the intersections of race, gender and class, made in direct response to the social upheavals of the 1960s.

American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Painting of the 1960s, organized by the Neuberger Museum of Art, was curated by Miami Art Museum Director Thom Collins and Neuberger Museum of Art Curator and Purchase College Associate Professor of Art History Tracy Fitzpatrick with students from the Purchase College, SUNY, spring 2010 Art History Exhibition Seminar. 

Exhibition support has been provided by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and the JPMorgan Chase Foundation.

Related Events

Opening Reception for American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s
Saturday, November 5, 2011 / 6-9pm
Music by Bobby Stringer and the Special Touch Band in partnership with Overtown Music Project
Hors d'oeuvres and open bar
MAM members free, non-members $20
Parking free at 50 NW 2nd Ave.
RSVP@miamiartmuseum.org
American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s represents an unprecedented artistic exploration of the intersections of race, gender and class, made in direct response to the social upheavals of the 1960s. Widely known for African American story quilts and children’s books, Ringgold’s pointed political paintings disappeared from view for more than 40 years. On the occasion of Ringgold’s 80th birthday, MAM presents the first comprehensive survey of Ringgold’s influential paintings of the 1960s. In partnership with Overtown Music Project, Bobby Stringer, who launched his international career from Overtown's Cotton Club 40+ years ago when the area was known as the “Harlem of the South,” will perform at the opening reception with the Special Touch Band. Hors d'oeuvres and open donation bar. For event details contact events@miamiartmuseum.org.

Gallery Talk with Faith Ringgold
Thursday, December 1, 2011 / 6 – 7pm
By invitation only: Non-transferrable, Benefactor ($5,000) and above level members
RSVP required to events@miamiartmuseum.org or 305.375.5935
Faith Ringgold speaks with exhibition co-curators Thom Collins and Tracy Fitzpatrick about  American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s. Today, Faith Ringgold is well known as the progenitor of the African American story quilt revival that began in the late 1970s. The once influential paintings she created during the previous decade, with only a few notable exceptions, disappeared from view, omitted from critical, art historical discourse for more than forty years. This is the first comprehensive survey of these paintings, organized on the occasion of Ringgold's 80th birthday. *Following the gallery talk, please stay for Party on the Plaza, 7-11pm.
Directions/Parking: Shuttle bus service available from Miami Beach Convention Center to MAM with continuing service to the Design District; Free garage parking at 50 NW 2nd Ave.

MAM Party on the Plaza, The Return of FAITH!
Celebrating Miami Art Week / Art Basel Miami Beach
Thursday, December 1, 2011 / 7 – 11pm
Hors d'oeuvres and open donation bar
Free to invited guests - MAM Contributing ($250) and above-level members, MAM Contemporaries and invited guests
Parking free at 50 NW 2nd Ave.
MAM welcomes the international art world to Miami with Party on the Plaza, a high-energy evening of art, entertainment and cocktails under the stars. MAM celebrates The Return of FAITH! with American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s. Famed artist Rashaad Newsome will present a new performance in collaboration with local Miami dancers, opera singers and hip hop artists on the Museum’s plaza at 9:30pm. Miami street art collective Primary Flight will organize a mural installation on the plaza. This event is open exclusively to MAM Contributing ($250) and above-level members, MAM Contemporaries, and Art Basel Miami Beach (ABMB) and DesignMiami VIP and exhibitor pass card holders. For information or to join Miami Art Museum, contact 305.375.5935 or events@miamiartmuseum.org.

The Rashaad Newsome performance is curated by Claire Breukel and commissioned by Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA). 

Public Tours
Sundays / 2pm
Museum tours, free with museum admission, are offered Sundays at 2pm. Museum visitors meet in the lobby. Thematic tours are offered periodically to correspond with current exhibitions.

Group Tours
Docent-led tours in English or Spanish can be scheduled upon request. Docent-led tours are free to student groups. Contact Miami Art Museum’s education department at 305.375.4073 for additional information.

Second Saturdays are Free for Families presented by MetLife Foundation
"Symbolic Statements"
November 12, 2011 / 1-4pm
Take an interactive tour of paintings by Faith Ringgold that is designed for visitors of all ages. Think about words of personal empowerment or social commentary. Incorporate your own values, statements and symbols into an oil pastel artwork in the hands-on workshop.

Online Visitors' Gallery

• November 7, 2011 - Artdaily.org: "American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold's paintings of the 1960s at the Miami Art Museum" Read
• November 5, 2011 - Please join us for the opening reception View Evite
• November 4, 2011 - Haute Living: "Miami Art Museum Opens Exhibition of Faith Ringgold’s Paintings" Read
• October 25, 2010 - The New Yorker: "Behind Bars" Read

Image:
Faith Ringgold
Early Works #25
Self-Portrait, 1965
Oil on canvas
50 x 40 inches
Courtesy of Faith Ringgold and ACA Galleries, New York
© Faith Ringgold 1965
Photo: Jim Frank