The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina, is currently hosting an exhibition titled “Picturing Freedom: Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raid.” This exhibition celebrates the remarkable story of Harriet Tubman, who led a group of spies, scouts, and pilots, along with 300 Black soldiers and an artillery battery, in a daring military operation during the Civil War. Tubman’s leadership in the Combahee River Raid marked her as the first woman to helm a major military operation in US history, freeing nearly 800 enslaved individuals in one night.
The exhibition, organized by guest curator Vanessa Thaxton-Ward and historian Edda Fields-Black, is a powerful exploration of Tubman’s legacy without romanticizing her story. It is accompanied by the recently published book “COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War,” which provides a detailed account of Tubman’s service and the raid itself. The exhibition features historical artifacts, including Tubman’s affidavit claim for a pension, stereoscopic photographs of newly freed and enslaved individuals, and environmental photographer J Henry Fair’s striking images of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Artistic representations of Tubman by contemporary artists such as Faith Ringgold, Stephen Towns, Kevin Pullen, and Aaron Douglas are also showcased in the exhibition. Ringgold’s portrait of Tubman in the Tibetan thangka tradition, Towns’s quilted depiction of Tubman resting after an attack, and Pullen’s expressive painting of Tubman on the US 20-dollar bill offer different perspectives on the iconic figure. The exhibition also includes portraits of contemporary individuals whose ancestors were freed during the Combahee River Raid, connecting the past to the present.
The exhibition culminates with works by Pullen, Fair, and Douglas that evoke Tubman’s resilience and courage. Pullen’s energetic painting, Fair’s somber photograph of the Combahee River at dusk, and Douglas’s stylized portrayal of Tubman breaking free from bondage all capture the spirit of Tubman’s legacy. The exhibition invites viewers to contemplate Tubman’s historical significance and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
“Picturing Freedom: Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raid” is a poignant tribute to Tubman’s bravery and determination. By showcasing historical artifacts, contemporary artwork, and personal stories, the exhibition brings Tubman’s story to life and highlights the enduring impact of her actions. Visitors to the Gibbes Museum of Art can experience this powerful exhibition until October 5th, gaining a deeper understanding of Tubman’s remarkable legacy and the continued fight for freedom.
