We CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness

We CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness 

University of Colorado Art Museum

1085 18th Street Boulder, CO 80309-0459

February 10–July 13, 2024

Curated by The Museum for Black Girls, directed by Charlie Billingsly and Von Ross

Admission: free

Review by Denise Zubizarreta

The We CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness exhibition, presented by The Museum for Black Girls, unfolds as an extensive and profound exploration of the influence of Black women on the concept of “home.”

An installation view of the exhibition We CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness at the University of Colorado Art Museum. Image by Wes Magyar, © The Museum for Black Girls and © CU Art Museum and University Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder. 

Curators Charlie Billingsly and Von Ross have masterfully assembled an installation that captivates visually while also inspiring deep reflection. Through the show, they urge visitors to contemplate the substantial, yet frequently underestimated, contributions of Black women in shaping both familial and cultural frameworks.

The beauty shop installation with projections of photos and video stills of Black women in the exhibition We CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness. Image by DARIA. 

In their selection as artists-in-residence at CU Boulder, Billingsley and Ross were chosen by a nomination committee intent on identifying artists whose work not only exhibits remarkable creativity but also engages with critical political and social issues, challenges oppressive norms, and encourages collaboration. This choice reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and active social engagement, aligning seamlessly with the broader objectives of the exhibition. 

The living room installation in the We CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness exhibition. Image by DARIA.

We CU transforms the gallery space into an immersive environment that echoes the idea of “home” as a sanctuary imbued with the spirit and contributions of Black women. This rich thematic tapestry is unveiled through a dynamic collection of multimedia artworks, created by a diverse cohort of artists. The works reflect different facets of Black womanhood, and range from intimate portraits to bold, abstract representations, collectively weaving a narrative of resilience, beauty, and cultural heritage. 

A detail view of Yazz Atmore’s installation on the walls of one of the rooms in the in the exhibition We CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness. Image by DARIA.

The floral mural running along the gallery walls, created by the artist Yazz Atmore, adds a touch of natural beauty and symbolism, suggesting growth and flourishing life, which parallels the dynamic nature of Black women in society, creating a lush pathway that guides visitors through the exhibition.

An installation view of the entry archway to the installation A Seat at the Table in the We CU exhibition. Image by DARIA.

The archway framing A Seat At The Table acts as a symbolic portal, inviting viewers to step deeper into the conceptual “home” created within the gallery. This architectural element not only draws the eye but also serves as a metaphorical bridge connecting the various themes explored throughout the exhibition.

A view of the installation A Seat at the Table in the We CU exhibition. Image by DARIA.

In A Seat at The Table, a physical dining table adorned with rich floral arrangements is a figurative space of negotiation and representation that symbolizes the spaces Black women create and claim. This table is not just a place of nourishment but is also a stage for dialogue, resistance, and empowerment, highlighting the roles Black women play in setting and reshaping cultural and social norms.

The Love Letters to Black Women work in the We CU exhibition. Image by DARIA.

The works entitled Love Letters and Giving Black Girls Their Flowers bring an interactive dimension to the exhibition, fostering personal reflection and engagement. These elements allow visitors to delve deeper into themes such as love, memory, and communication. After exploring the exhibition, guests are encouraged to leave a love letter, a positive affirmation, or a message of encouragement, further connecting with and reflecting on the experiences showcased.

The Words Matter installation in the We CU exhibition. Image by Wes Magyar, © The Museum for Black Girls and © CU Art Museum and University Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder. 

Words Matter poignantly highlights the transformative power of language in the struggle for social justice and empowerment. This section is elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful, featuring quotes from luminaries like Toni Morrison and Angela Davis. These quotes are displayed on suspended banners, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that invites reflection. 

The Words Matter installation featuring quotes by Hannah Phifer, Toni Morrison, and Angela Davis. Image by DARIA. 

The minimalist setup includes a glass case displaying relevant books and documents, reinforcing the exhibition's commitment to education and dialogue. By incorporating textual elements, the curators underscore the importance of voice and narrative in articulating and advocating for the rights and recognition of Black women. This installation not only honors their contributions but also serves as a reminder of the potency of words in shaping perceptions, policies, and personal identities.

The Amplified Voices installation in the We CU exhibition. Image by DARIA. 

With its blend of visual artistry and social commentary, the exhibition invites us to a space where art and advocacy converge, offering a powerful commentary on the roles and representations of Black women in society. Echoing this sentiment, a poignant quote by Hanna Phifer in Words Matter declares, “Black women will always be too loud for a world that never intended on listening to them.” Amplified Voices, featuring a striking installation of a megaphone overflowing with vibrant flowers, symbolically magnifies the message shared in Phifer’s quote.

An installation view of one room in the exhibition We CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness featuring projections, paintings, and a wall installation of botanical imagery by Yazz Atmore. Image by DARIA.

We CU boldly celebrates the identity and experiences of Black women, presenting their stories in a manner that demands attention, love, and reverence. The assertive and vivid presentation supports the exhibition’s advocacy for recognition, aligning with the empowering truths that these women are here, powerful, and deserving of space and voice.

Denise "The Vamp DeVille" Zubizarreta (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary creative with articles featured in leading arts and culture publications. She earned her BFA in fine art from the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and is currently pursuing an MA in leadership and cultural management at Colorado State University.