20/20
Willis “Bing” Davis with Elizabeth Catlett, Tyrone Geter, Varnette Honeywood, Margo Humphrey, Richard Hunt, Jon O. Lockard, James Pate, Nelson Stevens, Charles White, and Hale Woodruff.
BGSU Galleries
August 30th - Sept 20th
Centered around select works by historic Ohio activist, artist, and educator Willis "Bing" Davis (1937), 20/20 examines creative practices that probe racial advocacy and the African diaspora, tracing these themes during and beyond the Civil Rights era. The group exhibition features prominent and historically significant artists who, alongside Davis, championed socio-political autonomy and equality. The unique curatorial vision not only features shared ideological commitments, but also brings an intimate lens highlighting the personal friendships and connections between Davis and each artist, examining the influences between artists’ perspectives and practices. This approach—fusing both cultural heritage and individual relationships—offers a new, deeply resonant way of understanding the shared legacy of Davis alongside new research and artworks of Charles White (1918-1979), Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012), Hale Woodruff (1900-1980), Richard Hunt (b. 1935), Jon O. Lockard (1932-2015), Nelson Stevens (1938-2022), Varnette Honeywood (1950-2010), Margo Humphrey (b. 1942), Tyrone Geter (b. 1947), and James Pate (b. 1968).
Charles White (1918-1979) was an influential American artist whose work played a crucial role in shaping the visual narrative of African American history. Born in Chicago, White discovered his artistic talents early on and earned a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago. Throughout his career, he became known for his powerful, large-scale works in charcoal and oil, portraying African American figures with a profound sense of dignity and humanity.
Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012) was a groundbreaking sculptor and printmaker whose work focused on the experiences and strength of African American women. Born in Washington, D.C., Catlett studied at Howard University and went on to become the first African American woman to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa.
Hale Woodruff (1900-1980) was an influential painter, muralist, and educator known for his depictions involving African American history and culture. Born in Cairo, Illinois, Woodruff studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and later in Paris, where he was influenced by the European avant-garde.
Richard Hunt (b. 1935) is a sculptor known for his abstract metal works exploring the themes of transformation and movement. From Chicago, Hunt was exposed to metalworking in his mother's hair salon, which sparked his fascination with the medium.
Jon O. Lockard (1932-2015) was a painter, educator, and activist known for his portrayal of African American culture and history. Born in Detroit, Lockard received his education from the University of Michigan and played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Nelson Stevens (1938-2022) was a Brooklyn-born artist and educator whose eclectic Afrocentric works were integral to the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Stevens studied at Ohio University and later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Kent State University.
Varnette Honeywood (1950-2010) was a painter and illustrator whose work captured the vibrancy of African American life. Born in Los Angeles, Honeywood studied at Spelman College and the University of Southern California, where she developed her distinctive style.
Margo Humphrey (b. 1942) is an acclaimed printmaker whose vibrant, narrative-driven works explore themes of spirituality, identity, and the African American experience. Born in Oakland, California, Humphrey studied at the California College of Arts and Crafts.
Tyrone Geter (b. 1947) is a contemporary artist known for his mixed-media works exploring themes of race, identity, and social justice. Born in Anniston, Alabama, Geter’s artistic vision was greatly influenced by growing up during the Civil Rights Movement.
James Pate (b. 1968) is a contemporary artist whose work engages with themes of social justice, African American history, and cultural identity. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Pate studied at the Dayton Art Institute and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
