October 5, 2024 – February 27, 2025 | Grisham Gallery
Alicia Henry (b. 1966), Untitled (Figure with Flowers), ca. 2020. Dye, acrylic, fabric, thread, and paper. 30 x 18 in. Private collection.
Fahamu Pecou (b. 1975), Spaceships Don’t Come Equipped with Rearview Mirrors, 2023. Acrylic on canvas. 72 x 48 in. Collection of Anna and Forrest Sylvester. Courtesy of the artist.
Alicia Henry and Fahamu Pecou are two contemporary artists whose works delve deeply into the complexities of identity, offering unique perspectives and insights into the experiences of being Black in America. While their artistic styles and mediums may differ, both artists share a commitment to exploring themes of race, identity, and social justice through their work.
Alicia Henry, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is known for her intricate textile sculptures and mixed-media installations. Her works often feature human figures rendered in layers of fabric and thread, exploring themes of memory, history, and personal narrative. Through her use of textiles and sewing techniques, Henry creates deeply intimate and tactile works that invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences and connections to identity and community.
On the other hand, Fahamu Pecou, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, performance, and multimedia installations. Pecou’s art challenges stereotypes and assumptions about Black masculinity and identity, often incorporating elements of hip-hop culture and popular iconography. Through his bold and vibrant visual language, Pecou confronts societal norms and expectations, offering a critical examination of the ways in which Black identity is constructed and perceived in contemporary society.
Fahamu Pecou (b. 1975), Swurv, 2019. Graphite and acrylic on paper. 30 x 22 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Despite their differences in medium and approach, Henry and Pecou share a common thread in their exploration of identity. Both artists confront issues of race, representation, and self-perception, challenging viewers to confront their own biases and preconceptions about what it means to be Black in America.
Organized by the Huntsville Museum of Art
Thank you, Sponsors!
Champion Sponsor:
Sasha and Charlie Sealy
President’s Circle Sponsors:
Ina and Garrett Smith
Artists’ Circle Sponsors:
Dianne and Jim Reynolds
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