Houston Exhibition Explores Black Body Representation

News Summary

The ‘Figurative Histories’ exhibition at the Moody Center for the Arts in Houston showcases works from four Texas-based artists. Running through mid-August, the exhibition addresses the representation of the Black body and its societal dialogues. Featured artists include Letitia Huckaby, Earlie Hudnall Jr., David McGee, and Delita Pinchback Martin, each presenting unique insights into Black identity through their diverse artistry. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on personal histories and socio-political contexts, fostering empathy and understanding.

Houston Exhibition Explores Black Body Representation

The “Figurative Histories” exhibition is currently on view at the Moody Center for the Arts in Houston, Texas. Running from May 30 to August 16, 2025, this exhibition features works from four Texas-based artists: Letitia Huckaby, Earlie Hudnall Jr., David McGee, and Delita Pinchback Martin. The core theme of the exhibition centers around the exploration of the Black body and its representation through various dialogues relevant to contemporary society.

Featured Artists and Their Works

Curated by Alison Weaver and Frauke V. Josenhans, the exhibition showcases a diverse array of artistic expressions. Earlie Hudnall Jr.‘s photography is prominently displayed in an exterior gallery space, setting the stage for a compelling visual narrative about life in Black Houston. His works emphasize emotion and candid moments, capturing the essence of Black life. Noteworthy pieces include the 2008 photograph titled “Mother & Son, Hurricane Ike, Houston, Texas”, along with a focus on youth illustrated in the 1993 photo “Wheels, Third Ward, Houston, Texas” and civic engagement captured in the 1991 photograph “I’m Proud to be An American.”

Letitia Huckaby presents haunting silhouettes that invite viewers to engage in creating their own narratives around her subjects. Her work reflects on the anonymity of the Black body and the truncation of history regarding Black Americans. Huckaby’s intricate framing and unique use of textiles enhance the presentation of her figures.

David McGee contributes watercolor pieces that depict Black women in elegant dresses, juxtaposing strength with the delicate nature of the medium. One piece, titled “The Ninja,” humorously challenges perceptions by portraying a fierce Black woman wielding nunchucks. McGee’s larger watercolors are complemented by smaller political commentary works referred to as “Tarot Cards.”

Delita Martin‘s installations shift the focus to the empowerment and spiritual essence of Black sisterhood. Her standout piece, “Together We Stand,” is part of her “Song Keepers” series and employs a mix of acrylic, charcoal, pastel, and relief printing techniques. This large-scale mixed-media work enhances the thematic depth of the exhibition.

Thematic Exploration and Audience Engagement

The “Figurative Histories” exhibition aims to invite audiences to reflect on personal histories and socio-political contexts, acknowledging the historical absence of Black bodies in Western art. Through these various artistic interpretations, the exhibition seeks to inspire feelings of belonging and empathy among viewers, encouraging them to explore shared human experiences.

Admission to the exhibition is free, making it accessible for everyone interested in delving deeper into the dialogues surrounding the representation of the Black body. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the art and the stories it tells, contributing to the ongoing conversations about race, identity, and history in the United States.

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Additional Resources

• Glasstire: Review of Figurative Histories at the Moody Center for the Arts
• Culture Map: Moody Center for the Arts Presents Figurative Histories
• Glasstire: Exhibitions Coming to Greater Houston Area Museums This Summer
• Wikipedia: General Resource
• Encyclopedia Britannica: General Resource