MOVE THE WORLD

The Irwin House Global Art Center & Gallery presents MOVE THE WORLD, an exhibition bridging Black History and Women's Month and celebrating “the extraordinary lives of ordinary Sisters and Queens. ” The exhibition has been inspired by the recent political contributions of women of color in politics,. historic professional firsts for African American women, and the everyday heroinism of our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and friends. Opening Saturday February 13, 2021 and running through the end of March, it highlights the work of local and visiting artists – Ricky Weaver, Dawn Okoro, Laura Gadson, Jonathan Harris, Jide Ade, Damien Mathis, Donn Thompson, and BAI –and introduces Poet Laureate, Brittini Ward, who will design and perform spoken word compositions dedicated to the theme. MOVE THE WORLD also provides a rare glimpse of a painting by the late and endlessly talented dancer, choreographer and actor, Geoffrey Holder in celebration of the female form.

Due to COVID safety measures, there will be no receptions or in-person gatherings in association with the exhibit, however, the gallery is open to the public and offering auxiliary features and programs including an interactive message wall in collaboration with @youwannatellher by Yasmine Lancaster (an Instagram page dedicated to raising the spirits and profiles of Black women); A Valentine’s Day art give-away for all visitors to the gallery on Sunday, February 14th; virtual explorations with participating artists; and virtual educational programming for school-aged children. Visitors to the space will also enjoy a 201 song, 14 hour soundtrack, curated especially for the exhibit by art historian and collector, Carl McCaskill.

“You saw it. We all saw it. Black women summoned all their superpower forces to deliver democracy in Georgia, and for all the U.S. This is just one critical example of how ordinary sisters and queens show up for each other, and for everyone in their ciphers. Stacey, Nsé, Helen, Tamieka, Melanie, Latosha and Deborah were ordinary girls and women…until they weren’t. These women, and so many others like them, remind us of the poise, power, and determination that lies within us all…. The Black Woman has been extraordinary from the start, yet she has borne and survived the brunt of Black trauma. So, whether she knows, exudes, or expresses it or not, and no matter her station in life, she is a Queen – to honor, behold, and protect. Excerpt from the MOVE THE WORLD Exhibition Statement

Irwin House Global Art Center & Gallery is a not-for-profit art space producing art exhibits and multi-media programs that explore cultural and historical content and give voice and a sense of place for minority interests and concerns. The gallery helps support artists through its Artist-In-Residency program - which invites national and global artists to the space for the development of new projects and to contribute to the cultural wealth of Detroit City.

MOVE THE WORLD opens Saturday, February 13, 2021 from 11am – 6pm. General hours of operation are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and by appointment Tues – Thurs through March 28, 2021. The following safety precautions are being taken: Only six persons are allowed in the gallery at a time; masks must be worn at all times; sanitizing station and temperatures taken at the door. MOVE THE WORLD and its programs have been supported in part by Founder’s Brewing Company and NASP (National Association of Securities Professionals) Detroit.