Stephen Towns is an artist who creates stunning mixed-media textile pieces that pay homage to the tradition of quilts made by Black women in the American South. His work combines fabrics, buttons, shells, and beads to create intricate tableaux that reflect family portraits and snapshots of leisure activities. Towns’ latest solo exhibition, “Safer Waters: Picturing Black Recreation at Midcentury,” at the Wichita Art Museum, delves into the theme of Black leisure during the era of Jim Crow.
The exhibition features large-scale compositions filled with vibrant colors, depicting families and friends engaged in various recreational activities such as dance parties, sunbathing, boating, and swimming at a resort called Paradise Park in Florida. This resort, which catered specifically to Black patrons, closed in 1969 after desegregation laws were enacted in 1968. Towns’ artwork celebrates the joy and sense of community that existed in Black recreational spaces during a time of racial segregation.
Through his work, Towns explores the themes of relaxation, escape, and resistance, highlighting the innocence, togetherness, and leisure activities as forms of defiance against oppression. The exhibition showcases seven new pieces that further expand on Towns’ exploration of Black joy in the face of adversity.
Towns’ art captures the essence of Black leisure in the midcentury, celebrating the moments of joy and camaraderie that existed despite the challenges of racism and segregation. His pieces evoke a sense of nostalgia and optimism, emphasizing the resilience and strength of Black communities during a tumultuous period in American history.
“Safer Waters” is on display at the Wichita Art Museum until June 14, offering viewers a glimpse into the vibrant world of Black recreation in the mid-20th century. You can also explore more of Stephen Towns’ work on his Instagram profile.
