New Jersey Black Women Printmakers Exhibit at Morven Museum
An exhibition at Morven Museum & Garden shows 14 generations of Black women printmakers from New Jersey, focusing on their advocacy and authentic
The exhibition "Voices in Print" has opened at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton. Curated by Judith K. Brodsky and Rhinold L. Ponder, it features the work of 14 Black women artists with ties to New Jersey.
It is the inaugural show for the museum's new Stockton Education Center. The exhibition runs through February 28, 2027.
The Artists and Their Legacy
The show presents generations of Black women artist-activists. Their work is described as transgressive, advocating for visibility and social change. Many collaborated to pioneer new printmaking techniques and create opportunities in the art world. They also serve as mentors and influences for others.
As Black women, these artists have placed authentic representations of the Black female body at the center of their work. These representations reflect their experiences, identities, confidence, strength, beauty, and ideas. The result, according to the source, is powerful work in which others can see themselves mirrored.
The 14 featured artists are Emma Amos, Camille Billops, Vivian E. Browne, Nanette Carter, Nefertiti Goodman, Gladys Barker Grauer, Diane Victoria Horn, Carmen Cartiness Johnson, Nell Painter, Sondra Perry, Janet Taylor Pickett, Mickalene Thomas, Nette Forné Thomas, and Bisa Washington.
A Broader Initiative
"Voices in Print" is part of a larger project titled "Re-Visioning America: 1776-2026." This initiative commemorates the United States' 250th anniversary with exhibitions that highlight the nation's diversity. It specifically shows the work of female artists of color.
The "Re-Visioning America" project was inspired by a 1976 bicentennial exhibition at the Princeton University Art Museum. That show, "Fragments of American Life," was the museum's first exhibition of work by Black artists. It included just one Black woman artist. The current project aims to celebrate the female artists of color who were historically excluded from the art world. It also acknowledges their advocacy to create space for themselves and others.
Collaborators and Location
The exhibition is a collaboration with multiple local organizations. Partners include Art Against Racism, the Arts Council of Princeton, Garden Theatre, the Historical Society of Princeton, and Princeton Public Library. The Princeton University Art Museum, the Princeton University Humanities Initiative, and the William Trent House Museum are also involved.
Funding was provided by the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Mercer County Cultural & Heritage Commission. The latter is a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Morven Museum & Garden is dedicated to celebrating New Jersey's cultural heritage. The museum is located at 55 Stockton Street in Princeton. More information can be found at the museum's website, morven.org.
