Work of local Black artists featured in Newfields exhibit

A new exhibit at Newfields brings together the work of local black artists brought together through activism.

“We. The Culture: Works by the Eighteen Art Collective.” is made up of the work of 18 artists who created the “Black Lives Matter” street mural on Indiana Avenue in 2020.

The launch is supported by GANGGANG, an Indianapolis based cultural development firm.

Guest curator Alan Bacon said talks to bring the artwork to Newfields started in August 2020.

“When the Black Lives Matter mural was created, as far as you know, discussions with the Eighteen Art collective on what a show would be like at Newfields,” Bacon said. “And just the first iteration, focused on the mural itself and now the second innovation is focusing on the artists themselves and their individuality.”

Guest curator Mali Jeffers said the exhibit carries a special message.

“This group is kind of united in their passion for advocacy and teaching the youth that they can have careers in the arts as well. And so that is what's unifying the 18,” Jeffers said. “But the exhibition really gets to talk about individuality and identity, and we really get to see new unique perspectives.”

The exhibition will be on display for one year.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.