McGruder Social Practice Artist Residency
Portraits, Poetry and Politics: Election 2020
This exhibition is comprised of the visual and poetic creations of student artists and poets affiliated with Tennessee State University’s Art Department, Languages, Literature and Philosophy Department, and The I Want to Write Initiative. Their work is inspired by the 2020 election, and the creators are hoping it will inspire viewers to become more politically engaged. Specifically, issues such as immigration, the pandemic, intersectionality, and police brutality inspired our artistic investment in the election. Ultimately, our young, creative scholars hope their work will spark the viewer's investment in the election and our political future. In a word: vote.
“You cannot be afraid to speak up and speak out for what you believe. You have to have courage, raw courage.”-- John Lewis
“If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” -- Shirley Chisholm
Organizers: Prof. Cynthia Gadsden, Courtney Adair Johnson, Dr. Michelle J. Pinkard, Prof. Kaleena Sales.