Converging Realities: The John Rhoden Sculpture Garden & The HHM Collection

Co - Curated by Halima Taha, Kevin Sipp, and Lydia Kimbrough

ON VIEW FRIDAY, SEPTEMEBER 20, 2024 - DECEMBER 15, 2024

Converging Realities: The John Rhoden Sculpture Garden and Hammonds House Museum Collection articulates the global thread of African descendant visual culture through a profound exploration of  the interconnectedness of African, African American, and Caribbean artistic expressions through the historical and cultural tapestry of the  Black Atlantic.

The intersecting realities of African, Caribbean, and African descendant artists of  the Americas are both similar and distinct. These artists, rooted in diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, share a common thread of exploring and expressing their African heritage through their art. The similarities lie in their exploration of themes such as identity, ancestry, and  social justice. Their art often serves as a medium to celebrate their cultural traditions, challenge societal norms, and shed light on the struggles and triumphs of their respective communities.

The distinct aspects of these artists  work arise from the unique historical, political, and social contexts that have shaped their individual experiences. The Haitian artists may incorporate elements of Vodou spirituality, while the Nigerian artists may draw inspiration from traditional Yoruba or Igbo art forms. The artists of Senegal may lean into the intersection of indigenous myth with Islamic folklore, while the American artists of African descent may explore the complexities of navigating their dual identity as both African and American.

This exhibition brings together self-taught and formally trained artists  showcasing  a vibrant tapestry of  diverse perspectives and shared cultural narratives through five thematic elements: 1) Historical Context and Influence; 2) Cultural Exchange and Evolution; 3) Colonial Legacies and Resistance; 4) Cosmopolitan Modernism; 5) Diversity, Power, and Beauty. Because of  these nuances, the convergence of these diverse artistic voices creates a rich tapestry of expressions that reflect multiple intersections and cultural collisions that are geographically unmoored between cultural heritage, modernism and colonialism. Their art serves as a powerful tool to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding.

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This exhibition and the Hammonds House Museum is supported by generous funding from Fulton County Board of Commissioners through the Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture, City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, National Performance Network (NPN), National Endowment for the Arts, Georgia Council for the Arts, The Andy Warhol Foundation, the Estate of Dr. Doris Derby, and Hammonds House Museum Members and Donors.

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