BLACKBURN 20|20

Imposing Blackness: Weusi Artist Collective, 1965-1975

Curated by Dr. Myrah Brown Green

July 24 - September 18, 2022

Closing reception: Sunday, September 18th 3-6pm

CATALOGUE

In the midst of a tumultuous moment in history, sparks of light were sent throughout the universe in the form of art. This art manifested in word, song, dance and the visual aesthetic. Anthems like Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud by James Brown, We’re A Winner by Curtis Mayfield, R.E.S.P.E.C.T. by Aretha Franklin and Odunde’ Odunde’ by Babatunde Olatunji became calls to action; reminding Black People of their magnified greatness. The Weusi Artist Collective heeded the call!! Translated from Swahili to English, Weusi means “Blackness.”

In an effort to make sure that the Weusi Artist Collective’s legacy would live in perpetuity generations later, this historic group, founded in 1965 during the height of the Black Arts Movement, became the pivotal force who used their art to ease the social pains of a people, spread Black love, fight against obvious racism across the globe and promote family all in the blink of an image; sometimes subliminal too. Abdullah Aziz, Hameed Benjamin, Kay Brown, Perry Cannon, Taiwo DuVall, G. Falcon Beazer, Gaylord Hassan, Bill Howell, Rudy Irwin, Nii Ahene-La, Muhammad Mufutau, Dindga McCannon, Otto Neals, Ademola Olugebefola, James Phillips, Okoe Pyatt, Abdul Rahman, James Sepyo and Emmett Wigglesworth were among those who led the march. They came with an arsenal of woodcuts, etchings, serigraphs, paintings, sculpture, collage and other forms of masterful art making techniques. These masters became the shoulders on who the generations that follow now stand. Let’s not forget the families of these artists; wives, partners, children, parents and extended family were a part of their support systems. They too were in the trenches helping to make sure this masterful organization continued to thrive. Many of the members are now ancestors. However, because of the collective building, the Weusi Artist Collective still continues today.

In 1968, Nyumba Ya Sanaa Gallery (“House of Art” Gallery) located at 158 West 132nd Street was born. Later renamed Weusi Nyumba Ya Sanaa Academy of Fine Arts and Studies. This academy became the mecca for all Black artist who wanted to implement or continue to move forward the “New Art Renaissance” of the sixties into a new “Age of Aquarius.” The Weusi Artist Collective used this platform to inspire and teach those who wanted to move beyond what the world bequeathed to all people in the form of technology, medicine and spirituality. Ultimately, teaching workshops, providing lectures and working along-side the new Black visual artist and other creatives including film makers, song writers, stage designers, poets, play writers, actors and musicians was ignited. Illuminating the artists’ self-worth and aesthetic gifts were at the forefront of their teachings. These in-house programs continued for more than fourteen years until this internal space was taken due to a massive flood.

This tribute exhibition of Imposing Blackness: The Weusi Artist Collective’s Members, 1965-1975 opening at Blackburn 20|20 Gallery reminds us of the friendships Robert Blackburn and a number of the members of the Weusi Artist Collective once had. Blackburn opened his doors to the Weusi Artist Collective members after hearing about the unfortunate closing of the Weusi Nyumba Ya Sanaa Academy of Fine Arts and Studies. He made available a space for those members whose art medium’s focus was in fine art printing; allowing them to explore and continue teaching this fine craft.

More than fifty-seven years later, the Weusi Artist Collective holds on to their “perpetuity status.” I am so proud to know and have known many of the artists whose work is shown. And as we experience the works of the masters hanging in the gallery, remember that each piece is a manifestation of how a nation can be taught and healed one image at a time.

Abdullah Aziz

Hameed Benjamin

Kay Brown

Perry Cannon

Taiwo DuVall

G. Falcon Beazer

Gaylord Hassan

Bill Howell

Rudy Irwin

Muhammad Mufutau

Special thanks to printshop interns: Jane Buffo, Anna Fiacco, Spencer Klink, Morgan Menzyk, Lan Mu, Stella Lowery, and Elina Press.

Photos from opening reception on July 24, 2022.

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