A bathroom door marked for whites placed behind a carved black figure is just one of the many powerful images Maryland Institute College of Art presents in Black Panther Rank and File.
“In a sense, what makes the piece art is invisible,” said Curator Rene de Guzman. “Where art comes in is that [these objects] were placed together. It shows the depth of experience that finally lead to the necessity of the Black Panthers.”
Rank and File includes never-before-exhibited historical artifacts, photographs, documentaries, installations, videos, lithographs, paintings and newspaper clippings about the Black Panthers ? one of modern history?s most controversial and influential organizations ? and the issues the group addressed.
“I want viewers to consider our moment through this lens of social history,” Guzman said about his goal for the nationally-touring exhibit. “I feel our moment is similar to when the Panthers began: There?s global war, distrust of others and no one has the solution. The Black Panthers are such a compelling symbol of freedom.”
Guzman said he hopes the exhibit conveys the connection between art and social activism. “Beyond art?s aesthetic appeal and ability to give meaning, art works can change society and broaden civic aspirations.”
Public perception of the Black Panthers overshadowed their free breakfast programs for children, transportation for the elderly and neighborhood health clinics, Guzman added. “These program eventually became a model for government sponsored aide.”
MICA students? recorded interviews with former Black Panthers are arguably the best moments in Rank and File.
One especially poignant interviewer is with Connie Felder, who joined the Panther?s Baltimore Chapter when she was 18 and living in West Baltimore.
During a boycott of a local market, Felder says she was harassed by police. “If they could get the strongest sister in the party to break then the other sisters would be scared and run,” Felder said.
Christopher Whittey, who oversees MICA exhibits, said Rank and File breaks ?the MICA bubble.?
“We have to come out and bring in people,” he added. “Art isn?t rarefied ? meant only for an elite group.”
During the exhibit, MICA is providing a free shuttle to the school from off-campus locations.
IF YOU GO
Black Panther Rank and File
VENUE: Fox Building?s Decker and Meyerhoff galleries
Maryland Institute College of Art
1303 Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore
WHEN: Through December 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
INFO.: 410-225-2300
Call 410-225-2280 for details on the MICA shuttle
