The Photographs that Shaped the Black Arts Movement in the Mid-20th Century — Colossal

Photography is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive and accessible forms of visual art. Today, most people have phones equipped with advanced, user-friendly cameras that allow us to document our lives and surroundings, effectively turning us into instant documentarians. This widespread access shapes our perception of art and culture and often plays a vital role in political and social movements.

This idea is exemplified in an upcoming exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The exhibition, titled Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985, takes visitors back to the mid-20th century when photography became a significant medium not only for artists but also for organizers, activists, and cultural icons. It showcases the works of over 100 photographers, including editorial and commercial pieces, self-portraits, and mixed-media social critiques. Many of these works challenge the institutionalized racism of the Jim Crow era, highlighting the protests that arose in response to such discrimination.

One notable piece is a graphic collage by Ralph Arnold titled “Above This Earth, Games, Games,” which combines images of football games with scenes of war and destruction. Another striking work from 1968 is Ernest Withers’s photograph of Memphis sanitation workers protesting after the death of two employees. The image captures a wall of signs declaring “I Am A Man,” as the protesters, dressed in suits and hats, demand better working conditions and respect.

Cultural figures like the intriguing musician and philosopher Sun Ra are also featured. Ming Smith’s dynamic black-and-white photograph captures the jazz leader spinning in front of his band, his sparkling attire creating the illusion of a halo of sparks.

The exhibition is framed by a quote from Julian Bond, a civil rights leader who helped establish the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee: “Pictures told, for those who could not see themselves, of the strength and beauty of the people, of the hostility and anger of the opposition, and of the promise of a world free of racism.”

Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985 is available for viewing from July 25 to November 8 in Jackson.