Two art installations combine for the first time at The Mint Museum Uptown. Whitfield Lovell’s “Passages” is a journey through history using drawings, three-dimensional pieces, and interactive installations.
The exhibition, organized by the American Federation of Arts in collaboration with Lovell, fills two galleries chronicling African American history and raises questions about identity, memory, and origin.
Each gallery display was placed with purpose. “For Lovell, the design of the exhibition is integral to the experience he wants to transmit to his audiences,” said Dr. Jen Edwards, the chief curator and curator of contemporary art at The Mint Museum.
Prepare to pause within “Deep River” — a combination of projections, water sounds, drawings, and more. This experience documents the journey enslaved people took by crossing the Tennessee River.
“You’re supposed to have that feeling of movement, of no stability, of constant change,” said Dr. Edwards. “This is about freedom but it’s about freedom never being a final journey.”
“It’s important to know about the shared histories of the people that live in this city and in the South and uncovering these untold stories,” said Clayton Sealey, Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications at The Mint Museum.
Editor’s note: You’ll notice many images on the walls will not have a plaque explaining who is on display. There’s a reason for that.
“It’s really a story of lost history,” said Michele Huggins, Assoc. Director of Marketing and Communications. “It’s meant for you to think about these people, their lives.”
The exhibition includes works from Lovell’s series, Kin (2008-2011), and his newest, The Reds (2021-2022). Pro tip: There is a seat and telephone within The Reds. Sit and listen to a refrain of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The exhibition runs June 29—September 22. Museum admission will be free Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30.
