Loss is a deeply ingrained aspect of the Black experience in America, stemming from centuries of racial violence and oppression. This collective grief forms the foundation of b. Robert Moore’s exhibition, “In Loving Memory,” currently on display at the Des Moines Art Center. Through a variety of mediums including paintings, sculptures, and installations, Moore navigates the landscape of ancestral trauma, shedding light on the painful realities of Blackness and anti-Blackness in the United States.
The theme of Death looms large over the exhibition, with poignant reminders of lives lost to racial violence. Oval paintings reminiscent of memorial portraits pay homage to the four little Black girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. A striking centerpiece in the main gallery consists of 34 black granite tombstones, each solemnly standing as a tribute to the countless Black Americans who have been unjustly killed. Adjacent to these tombstones hangs “Every N*gga a Star,” a constellation of folded flags bearing the names of murdered Black individuals like Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor. The atmosphere within the gallery is akin to attending a somber funeral, with each piece serving as a poignant reminder of the lives cut short by systemic racism.
As visitors move through the exhibition, they are confronted with a range of emotions and themes related to Black grief. From depictions of addiction and police brutality to the absence of familial connections and labor injustices, Moore’s work delves deep into the complexities of the Black experience in America. A neon noose suspended from the ceiling and a painting titled “Kin to War” featuring a young Black boy donning a military helmet underscore the daily struggles faced by Black individuals. One particularly moving installation recreates Moore’s late grandmother’s sitting room, inviting viewers to interact with the space and listen to audio recordings of his late grandfather.
While the exhibition skillfully captures the essence of collective Black grief, it also delves into Afro-pessimism – the belief that Black existence is inherently defined by violence and oppression. Moore’s work, though undeniably powerful and emotive, leans heavily towards a sense of hopelessness and despair. The absence of alternative narratives or representations of Black joy and resilience leaves a lingering feeling of melancholy and sorrow.
“In Loving Memory” is a thought-provoking and impactful exhibition that challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of Black existence in America. While the showcase of Moore’s talent and the beauty within his work is undeniable, the exhibition’s unrelenting focus on Black suffering may leave some longing for a more balanced portrayal of the Black experience. The exhibition will be on display at the Des Moines Art Center through October 20, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the complexities of Black grief and resilience as interpreted through the lens of b. Robert Moore.
