In the summer of 2020, millions of people attended Black Lives Matter protests, making them one of the largest social justice movements in U.S. history. While these protests encouraged anti-racist actions, they also stirred up traumatic images and experiences among Black communities. As a response to centuries-old racialized injustices, Un-Representation seeks to provide a space of healing for Black communities. The three featured works by Black artists embody the possibilities of Black American creative freedom and spirit. Through abstract artworks, this exhibition will serve as a source of meditative restoration, offering abstraction as both originating from and producing Black joy. Created with Black visitors in mind, the exhibition welcomes all to engage with the meditative powers of these artworks.

Several pre-recorded guided meditations created by Skidmore alumna Tobi Ewing ‘15 will accompany the exhibition, and there will be a series of meditation workshops for Black Skidmore students, faculty, and staff throughout the fall.

Un-Representation is the capstone project for Maria Staack ’22, the 2020–21 Meg Reitman Jacobs ‘63 Endowed Intern. The Internship is a yearlong pre-professional opportunity for a Skidmore junior or senior in the Tang Museum’s Education Department.