The Black Art in America Foundation presents a new exhibition at their gallery entitled From Beale to Bourbon Street: Deep Down in the Mississippi Delta. Beale Street and Bourbon Street are iconic historical landmarks for our culture. The exhibition features the work of artist Najee Dorsey and explores the cultural and spiritual crossroads of the Deep South
This is a multimedia exhibition that features mixed media, photomontage, and sculpture. They are hosting a special celebration for Juneteenth called Juketeenth, an immersive event blending visual art, music, and conversation. June 19th at Black Art in America, 1802 Connally Drive, East Point, GA 30344
From Beale to Bourbon Street: Deep Down in the Mississippi Delta
I mention that we’ve heard from him in the past and spoke about the annual Fine Art Print Sale, Investing in Art, and exhibitions featuring local and national artists, but this marks the first time I’m speaking to you as an artist. I asked if Dorsey to tell us about the many hats he wears as a working artist, educator, and gallery owner. Dorsey shares that his work is on display at over a dozen museums. After launching his gallery and the Black Art in America Foundation, he has focused on the industry for the last few years. He put his energy into growing young artists, and although he still did work as an artist, his focus was on others. Dorsey spoke about the work of Samella Lewis, an artist, curator, and renowned figure in the art industry.
We spoke about the story of Robert Johnson at the Crossroads and the movie Sinners. I asked if he thought the ancestors were using this unique time to speak with us. Dorsey speaks about the need for humans to apply supernatural reasoning to genius. He also shares that some of the works in the exhibition are from past work, and a few are newer, but he grew up in the Delta, and these were the people and stories he grew up with. Dorsey speaks about the melding of culture, music, and history that is part of the everyday life in the South.