Hearne Fine Art is honored to present this artistic narrative that juxtaposes the magnificence and beauty of these four crops with the burden of forced labor upon enslaved Africans that ultimately assured the realization of the American dream of those for which the oppressed so heavily toiled. This exhibit is a beguiling visual documentation and contrast between overlapping and radically different existences, both of which represent achievement in critically different ways. Marjorie Williams-Smith shares her family history, inspiring an objective view from different critical lenses of the significant contributions of Black labor to the agriculture markets in this country. The artist has embarked on a personal journey, traveling to the places her ancestors lived and worked. In the tobacco, cotton, cane fields and rice paddies, she would vicariously experience their daily lives as documented throughout history in educational and literary works. To symbolize contemplation of her background, Williams-Smith uses a centuries-old drawing technique to produce acute and sharp details for which digital art barely competes. The striking details captivates, conceivably encouraging further examination of this history, the people, the place and times. We are thrilled to collaborate with Williams-Smith on this expressive endeavor that, with such elegance and acuity, underscores the dichotomy of perspectives that have permeated time.
In addition to the exhibition, Hearne Fine Art is hosting several events related to the show. The events include:
ARTIST RECEPTION
Friday, October 11, 2024, at 5:00 pm - 8 :00 pm
ARTIST TALK
Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING with MARJORIE WILLIAMS-SMITH
Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00 pm
Watch at https://youtu.be/ftiRZVaZkyc?si=_HZH5luLqBpc037q
SILVERPOINT DEMONSTRATION
