"A Flower That Continues to Unfold" Lance Smith
Art has always served as a powerful medium for self-expression, cultural commentary, and social change. In Lance Smith’s "A Flower That Continues to Unfold," the artist presents a thought-provoking collection that delves into the intersectionality of gender, Blackness, queerness, and technology. Through an exploration of color theory, ancestral connections, and the celebration of marginalized voices, Lance creates a space that affirms the right of Black trans individuals to exist and thrive in a world often plagued by discrimination and bigotry.
The project invites us to reflect on the longstanding existence of gender expansiveness in the African and African American diasporic canon. Through vivid imagery and symbolic representations, the artist honors the resilience and persistence of marginalized communities. By weaving together stories of the Americas and Nigeria, the exhibition highlights the transformative qualities inherent in plants and all living things, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty found within even the most humble and inconsequential aspects of life.
"A Flower That Continues to Unfold" stands as a powerful statement of Black Trans Liberation. The artwork serves as a decisive comment on the existence of Black Trans realities outside of death. Through repetition, tints, tones, and texture, the artist magnifies the experiences and narratives of Black transgender individuals, asserting their right to exist and thrive in a world that too often denies them their basic humanity. The exhibition dismantles dangerous notions of identity and challenges the classification systems used to justify the marginalization and extermination of marginalized communities.
Movement, sound, and video are employed as circuits to create a sonic narrative of ancestral communications. The artist skillfully interweaves these elements, reinforcing the idea of an interconnected, living world where all forms of life are valued and celebrated. By incorporating elements of African culture, traditions, and experiences, this exhibition imagines a future rooted in the rich tapestry of the past, acknowledging the foundational tenets of humanity and emphasizing the importance of uplifting and celebrating marginalized voices.
Naturally derived pigment and the creation of energetic surfaces serve as vehicles for exploring the complex intersectionality of Blackness, queerness, and technology. The artwork challenges the dangerous notions of identity prevalent in a world where classification is often used as a weapon against marginalized communities. By utilizing these mediums, the artist invites viewers to question and redefine societal constructs, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
"A Flower That Continues to Unfold" demands attention, introspection, and engagement. Through a combination of color theory, ancestral connections, and the celebration of Black trans liberation, the artist creates a vibrant space that invites viewers to reflect on the beauty and resilience found within. By acknowledging the pain of the past, embracing the precariousness of the present, and envisioning a future rooted in freedom, the exhibition emphasizes the importance of uplifting and celebrating the voices of the marginalized. It is through art that we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable world, where all individuals are valued, seen, and celebrated.
