The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is currently hosting Black Art Week, with three new exhibitions that aim to celebrate Black creative excellence. This is the first time the initiative has taken place in San Francisco.
Curator Key Jo Lee shared insights into the exhibitions, including ‘Liberatory Living’, ‘Protective Interiors’ and ‘Radical Black Joy’, featuring the work of 19 artists and designers from around the world.
“The Bay has been a perennial breeding ground for black genius since its inception. And so this just provides a container to show all that brilliance to people who haven’t witnessed it yet, and to celebrate it with the people who have always known it. Lee stated.
One of the exhibitions’ central themes is “radical joy,” which Lee describes as an intentional act in the face of historical adversity.
“Radical joy, for people for whom happiness should not be part of their existence, comes from claiming a space, a time and a reckoning for it,” she explained. “So it’s the rejection of something else, to make room for joy.”
Monetta White, CEO of MoAD, emphasized the importance of this opening celebration.
“I believe it is a responsibility for me, as a native San Franciscan, as an African American woman, as the executive director of this institution. It is important for us to take initiatives like this to show our community that we are here. White said.
The exhibitions resonate with themes of resilience and connection, which transcend cultural backgrounds.
Lee noted, “These are truly universal themes that are seen through a black lens, but should impact every life that comes through the door.”
The celebration of Black artistry at MoAD aims to create lasting impact for creators and observers alike, and promote a deeper understanding of the cultural narratives that shape the Black experience.
