Hampton Art Lovers Presents "Take My Hand, Precious Lord"

Hampton Art Lovers warmly invites you to immerse yourself in a transformative experience of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." This extraordinary exhibition showcases the remarkable talents of Solomon Adufah and Tasanee Durrett, whose artwork is inspired by a deeply cherished African American hymn. The exhibit serves as a moving call for guidance and strength during life’s most challenging moments. The hymn’s emotionally charged lyrics resonate within us, instilling a sense of vulnerability alongside a powerful reliance on divine grace. It stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that we are never alone on our journeys.

Adufah’s artwork is a vibrant kaleidoscope of life, bursting with energy that captures the essence of community and pure joy. In one enchanting piece, four spirited children dressed in eye-catching primary colors bask in the golden glow of the sun. Their playful antics are reflected in stylish sunglasses, exuding youthful exuberance. Another breathtaking canvas depicts a mother enveloped in a stunning crimson dress adorned with lively white polka dots, tenderly cradling her daughter—a testament to the beauty of maternal love.

These lively scenes unfold against the rich backdrop of Adufah’s beloved hometown, Accra, Ghana. He masterfully transports us to gatherings outside churches, where people don their finest Sunday attire, reveling in shared laughter and joyful moments, capturing them forever in photographs. These cherished experiences resonate strongly within Adufah, deeply woven into the fabric of his life in Ghana and the vibrant African American neighborhoods of Chicago, where he passionately continues to create. Reflecting on his series, aptly titled “Sunday Funday,” Adufah shares, “I sought to create a space where people of color can find peace while expressing themselves and building a community. That’s the heart that ignited this series and the evolution of my work.”

Tasanee Durrett’s artwork compellingly delves into the emotional, mental, spiritual, and psychological well-being of the Black community, illuminating the transformative healing journeys within. Her creations pay tribute to the extraordinary resilience and strength that characterize the complexities of human experience, while powerfully honoring the essential role of African American women—our first teachers and steadfast nurturers. These remarkable women embody the spirit of cherished spiritual traditions, reaching out and “taking our hands” to expertly guide us through life’s intricacies, imparting invaluable wisdom, and nurturing future generations with unwavering love.

Through her art, Durrett amplifies these crucial narratives, facilitating a deeper understanding of the emotional landscapes that shape our communities. Her striking painting, "A Beautiful Mess is Different Than A Mess that Is Beautiful," captures the essence of a Black woman adorned with an exquisite floral headpiece, showcasing the vibrant beauty of African flora. The majestic King Protea, the resilient Lebombo Aloe, and the delicate pink Stapelia gigantea flowers from the Cape come together in a breathtaking tribute to nature's splendor.

Employing an innovative blend of acrylic paints, table salt, and Himalayan salts, this work immerses viewers in a rich exploration of Black spirituality, vividly illustrating an inspiring journey from tumultuous depths to a flourishing paradise of self-love. The textured mediums symbolize both purification and resilience, beautifully reflecting the strength of the Black spiritual experience. In essence, this painting narrates a profound message about the beauty that emerges from overcoming life's trials, passionately celebrating the triumphant union of strength, love, and spirituality in the face of adversity. Embrace this powerful depiction and join in honoring the extraordinary journeys that shape our communities.

Hampton Art Lovers, located at the Historic Ward Rooming House, embraces the 2025 theme of “Ubuntu: I Am Because We Are,” which underscores the power of community and interconnectedness. Inspired by the African Bantu philosophy of humanity, the event aims to elevate the African American experience through art and dialogue. Congressman John Lewis once said, "We are one people, one family, the human family, and what affects one of us affects us all."

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