ANCESTORS IN PROGRESS III

"Ancestors in Progress" is a reflection on legacy, cultural transmission, and the artistry that bridges generations. This exhibition, curated by Hekima Hapa of Black Girls Sew, brings together ten Black artists whose work is deeply rooted in tradition, transformation, and the awareness that they, too, will one day become ancestors.

Through textiles, fiber arts, and mixed media, the participating artists engage in material storytelling—knotting, stitching, and embellishing fabrics in ways that echo the hands of those who came before them. Whether through upcycled denim, delicately woven fibers, or carefully embroidered cotton cloth, each piece in this show is a manifestation of the artists’ commitment to preserving and evolving the practices of their ancestors.

Embedded within their chosen materials are themes of water, fire, earth, healing, spirituality, freedom, memory, and loss—concepts that have historically shaped the Black diasporic experience. Water, a symbol of both passage and renewal, connects ancestral migrations across continents and generations. Healing and spirituality emerge as acts of resilience, reinforcing the role of art as a space for personal and collective restoration. Freedom is reclaimed through the process of making, honoring past struggles while imagining liberated futures. Memory and loss, ever-present in the Black experience, are stitched into the works, offering a tangible archive of history, both personal and collective.

This exhibition, presented during Black History Month, honors the intergenerational transfer of knowledge—recognizing that creativity itself is a form of resistance and survival. The featured artists are more than creators; they are cultural bearers, storytellers, and visionaries, ensuring that traditions are not only remembered but also reimagined for the future. They remind us that our hands, like those of our ancestors, have the power to shape history and to craft a legacy that will outlive us.

As viewers move through the exhibition, they are invited to consider their own roles in this continuum—how we each carry forward the wisdom, artistry, and values of those who came before us. "Ancestors in Progress" is not only a tribute to the past but a call to action for the present and future.

Opening Reception

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Host or Publisher Black Girls Sew