Exhibition Challenges Historical Exclusion of Black America in FSA Photos
The Museum of Art and Light in Manhattan, Kansas, is hosting a significant exhibition titled “Crafting Sanctuaries: Black Spaces of the Black Great Depression South.” This exhibition seeks to address the historical exclusion of Black Americans in the visual narrative of the Great Depression, particularly through the lens of the Farm Security Administration’s (FSA) photography project initiated in 1937.
Under the leadership of government official Roy Stryker, the FSA aimed to document the challenges faced by rural communities during this difficult period. However, the majority of the selected photographs predominantly portrayed White families, presenting a narrow view of rural America. The current exhibition features a more inclusive collection, highlighting the experiences of Black Southerners as captured by renowned photographers including Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, and others across six states: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Missouri.
Curated by Tamir Williams in collaboration with the Art Bridges Foundation, the exhibition showcases intimate images that reveal the resilience and creativity of Black communities during an era marked by economic hardship and racial violence. Williams expressed to Hyperallergic that the exhibition serves as an examination of how Black Southerners invested in their spaces while navigating the challenges of the Great Depression.
The photographs included in the exhibition offer profound insights into Black domesticity and community life. For instance, Jack Delano’s photograph titled “Negro tenant family near Greensboro, Alabama” from 1941 captures a family in their home, surrounded by personal touches that illustrate their life and struggles. Associate curator Javier Rivero Ramos remarked on the emotional depth conveyed in these images, suggesting they reflect broader societal experiences.
The exhibition also features a companion installation called “Sanctuary in Motion,” developed in collaboration with the Yuma Street Cultural Center. This portion of the exhibit educates visitors about Manhattan’s rich history, highlighting its establishment by abolitionist settlers around 1855. Kristy Peterson, vice president of Learning, Engagement, and Visitor Experiences at the museum, emphasized the importance of telling the story of Yuma Street as a sanctuary for families who created community amid adversity.
“Crafting Sanctuaries,” which runs through spring 2024, aims to correct historical narratives and invite viewers to witness how Black Southerners crafted spaces of beauty and refuge during a challenging era. Williams hopes that the exhibition will inspire a deeper appreciation for the diverse experiences of Black communities in American history.
As the exhibition unfolds, it not only challenges the dominant narrative of the Great Depression but also enriches the understanding of the cultural and historical significance of Black American life during this period. The photographs serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity that flourished in the face of adversity.
