Support Us Button Widget

Immersive exhibition at The Mint evokes emotion through illustration

The Mint Museum’s “Whitfield Lovell: Passages” is a comprehensive exhibition providing a new lens to African American history in the South.

A dirt mound with glass and wooden items strewn on top, surrounded by spools with portraits drawn on, surrounded by a projection of a river.

“Deep River” is an immersive section of the exhibition placing guests in the middle of the Tennessee River during the American Civil War.

Photo by CLTtoday

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.”

A desk with envelopes and letters, a book, a pipe, and oil lantern.

During the exhibition’s run, guests will be immersed in history inside a small room depicted to be someone’s home. Expect a fresh scent of tobacco and whiskey every day.

Photo by CLTtoday

“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.”

A black wall with two portraits done on crimson paper.

Whitfield Lovell’s “The Reds” features works created on crimson paper with three-dimensional items in each frame.

Photo by CLTtoday

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.

More from CLTtoday
If you’re looking for a new furry friend, our area has shelters + rescues to help your family grow.
The Charlotte Museum of History is hosting its annual Twelfth Night event, celebrating the state’s history of distilling spirits.
Prepare for winter weather with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
The data released by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority highlights Charlotte as a top tourism destination in the country.
There are ample opportunities to volunteer and give back to the Queen City community year-round.
This interactive map can help you determine how walkable certain blocks are to destinations like supermarkets, parks, restaurants, and schools.
For the new year, we’re asking readers to submit their top questions about the Queen City for us to answer.
Players Athletic Club is welcoming athletes of all ages and skill levels to train + improve techniques year-round.
These gifts given to Charlotte are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Lowe’s joins a large-scale volunteer effort to construct and deliver tiny homes to Western North Carolina families during the holiday season.