Colorism: The Spectrum of Internalized Bias

Curated by:

D.E. Stenvoll-Wells

2nd Sat Reception:

Saturday, July 13, 2019 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Exhibition Dates:

Jul 11, 2019 to Aug 10, 2019

3rd Thursday Artist Panel Discussion:

Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Including CREATIVE STATION, free all-ages art activities in our Classroom.

Gallery Hours (or by appointment):

Wednesday-Saturday, 2-6pm

Colorism: The Spectrum of Internalized Bias analyzes the phenomenon of appearance-based discrimination among members of the same identity group. Interrogating this topic through contemporary media including photography, installation, animation, video and performance art, this ambitious exhibition will include a wide range of programming including the opening reception, panel discussion, a film screening, as well as closing reception and catalog release.

Influenced by ongoing research on the impact of colorism on individuals and the larger society, curator D.E. Stenvoll-Wells explores how colorism pervades globally and prevents the unity required to combat white supremacy. Colorism: The Spectrum of Internalized Bias aims to unpack the internalized consequences of racial constructs, and questions the very basis of modern-day racial categorization. Featuring powerful multimedia work by local and international artists, this show opens the door to more productive dialogue among families and communities, acting as an educational tool for combating intra-racial prejudice.

Image credit: Pilar Aguero Esparza

Exhibiting Artists
Ashley Adams
Pilar Aguero Esparza
Onyinye Alheri
Natalia Anciso
Chaitra Bangalore
Marcia Barrow Taylor
Cynthia Brannvall
Carmina Eliason
Chuva Featherstone
Erika Gomez Henao
Jared Hendler
Susan Mah
Alicia McDaniel
Beth Consetta Rubel
Ron Moultrie Saunders
Karina Serapio Rendon
Rachel Maryam Smith
Juan Camilo Vergara
Daryl Wells
Nafis White

Colorism: The Spectrum of Internalized Bias is free, open to the public, and includes a Creative Station - all ages art activities hosted in our classroom during the 2nd Saturday opening reception.

Panel Discussion: Thursday, July 18, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Margaret Hunter
Fletcher Jones Professor of Sociology
Mills College

Joanne L. Rondilla, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology & Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
San José State University

Pilar Agüero-Esparza
Exhibiting Artist & Educator

Moderator: D.E. Stenvoll Wells (Curator)

Short Films Screening: Wednesday, July 24, 7 - 9pm

Charcoal
School Daze
Imitation of Life(1934)
Dark Girls(2011)
"Who Plays Othello?:https://filmfreeway.com/...
Black Star: Rebirth Is Necessary:https://www.nowness.com/...
The Tao of the Black Plastic Comb: https://www.youtube.com/...
Swimming In Your Skin Again: https://www.youtube.com/...
The Dig You And I:https://www.nowness.com/...
Balogi - Peau de Chargrin / Bleu de Nuit: https://www.youtube.com/...

More short films and clips to be announced shortly.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Root Division will be releasing a catalog to archive the exhibition. The catalog will be released during the closing reception on Saturday, August 10th from 7 - 9pm.