Pictures retrace an unknown past

By Jeff Renfro

In the past 100 years, black communities in the United States have been underrepresented in every artistic medium. Although the Civil Rights movement granted equal rights, little documentation exists about their culture and history. However, next week in the de Saisset museum, two of these communities will have a chance to tell their stories.

In collaboration with ExhibitUSA, the de Saisset presents "Recovered Views" and "Here and Now," two exhibitions highlighting black history.

Opening on May 15 and running until July 31, the exhibitions feature several black photographers, including six Bay area artists who explore contemporary black communities in "Here and Now."

Historians still speculate, but the portraits in "Recovered Views" are thought to be photographed by John Johnson, the son of a black Civil War veteran. Historical accounts say that Johnson traveled around Lincoln, Neb. photographing fellow blacks.

The subjects' expressions in the featured portraits show a variety of emotions but convey a constant sense of sincerity and authenticity.

From an anthropological point of view, the photographs serve as an invaluable record of an underrepresented place and time in our country's history.

Aesthetically, the pictures capture an intriguing sense of humanity in every shot.

"One could spend hours looking at the 'Recovered Views' images. There are so many wonderful details and the photographs are extremely compelling," Karen Kienzle, curator of the exhibitions at de Saisset, said. "They make you want to know who the sitters are and what they're lives were like."

"Recovered Views" was brought to the museum's attention by Bridget C. Cooks, an assistant professor in the Ethnic Studies and Art and Art History departments. She formed part of a course around the exhibition once it was booked. "Recovered Views" is part of many exhibitions that the museum sponsors in order to better engage students.

"There are many applications for teaching and learning through these images," Ms. Kienzle said.

"Here and Now," like "Recovered Views," tries to accomplish a similar goal. The exhibition addresses themes of community, loosely defined through explorations of constructed communities, self, friends, family, and place.

Featuring the works of contemporary photographers from the Bay area, including April Banks, Keba Konte, Emmanuel Pratt, Bayete Ross Smith, Hank Willis Thomas and Carla Williams, "Here and Now" showcases a unique collection of black portraits that reveal interesting perspectives.

"The two shows work wonderfully together," Ms. Kienzle said.

In addition to the exhibitions, the de Saisset will host "College Night" on May 19. The event will feature free food, hands on activities, artist walkthroughs, a performance by spoken-word artist Ise Lyfe and a spoken-word competition. It takes place in the museum 6-10 p.m.

The de Saisset will also present a lecture by scholar and author Deborah Willis on May 15 at 3 p.m.

* Contact Jeff Renfro at (408) 554-4546 or jrenfro@scu.edu.