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Devan Shimoyama and Alfred Conteh: Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth : Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition | On View at California African American Museum

Past exhibition
27 March - 30 May 2022
  • Overview
  • Works
  • Installation Views
  • Video
  • Press
Overview
Devan Shimoyama, Kehinde, [Kehinde Wiley,] 2018. Courtesy of the artist.
Devan Shimoyama, Kehinde, [Kehinde Wiley,] 2018. Courtesy of the artist.

Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. profiles revolutionary men—including Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Kendrick Lamar—whose journeys have altered the history and culture of the country. Their achievements are woven within the legacy and traditions of the African American experience, becoming emblems of excellence in spite of society’s barriers.

 

Through inspiring quotes, original works of art, dramatic photographs, and a dynamic space that encourages self-reflection, this innovative exhibition brings together the historical and the contemporary to illuminate the importance of these men within the context of rich community traditions. It invites visitors to consider predominant narratives of Black male identity and engage in authentic stories from multiple perspectives. While these groundbreaking individuals made their mark in a variety of disciplines—politics, sports, science, entertainment, business, religion, and more—all understood the value of asserting their agency by owning their stories. Twenty-five contemporary artists were invited to reflect upon and celebrate the significance of these men through their own creative vision. These works of art serve as a counterpoint to sumptuously backlit photographs and evocative storytelling, and together they honor the truth of the African American experience in history and today.

 

Men of Change was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and made possible through the generous support of the Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.

 

Complete list of artists: 
Nina Chanel Abney, Derrick Adams, David Alekhuogie, Bráulio Amado, Radcliffe Bailey, Knowledge Bennett, Alfred Conteh, Cary Fagan, Shaunté Gates, Patrick Earl Hammie, Jelsen Lee Innocent, Jas Knight, Shaun Leonardo, Nate Lewis, Troy Michie, Mario Moore, Robert Pruitt, Joe Prytherch, AG Rojas, Tariku Shiferaw, Sissòn, Paul Anthony Smith, Devan Shimoyama, Hank Willis Thomas, and Andre Wagner

 

 

 

 

  • California African American Museum
  • Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition
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Works
  • Kehinde, [Kehinde Wiley], 2018. Devan Shimoyama. Courtesy of the artist.

    Kehinde, [Kehinde Wiley], 2018. Devan Shimoyama. Courtesy of the artist.

  • Home Team, [Ryan Coogler], 2018. Alfred Conteh. Courtesy of artist Alfred Conteh and Amath Gomis.

    Home Team, [Ryan Coogler], 2018. Alfred Conteh. Courtesy of artist Alfred Conteh and Amath Gomis.

Installation Views
  • Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

    Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

  • Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

    Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

  • Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

    Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

  • Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

    Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

  • Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

    Installaion view, Men of Change, California African American Museum. Courtesy of the California African American Museum.

Video
Press
  • The exhibition centers the crucial experience and wisdom that is provided by fathers, uncles, teachers and coaches. Above image: Father and Son at Lake Michigan, detail, by Wayne F. Miller, 1946-1948. Courtesy of the NMAAHC.

    Devan Shimoyama and Alfred Conteh: How Black Men Changed the World

    Shantay Robinson, Smithsonian Magazine, March 16, 2022

Related artists

  • Alfred Conteh

    Alfred Conteh

  • Devan Shimoyama

    Devan Shimoyama

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