Black lives matter—this month and every month. In honor of Black History Month, we invite you to dive into the work of two renowned Black women artists: Senga Nengudi and Shantell Martin. Nengudi is a prominent figure of the 1970s Black American avant-garde who now lives in Colorado Springs. Martin is a London-born, New York-based contemporary artist.
Now on view
These exhibitions are included with general admission, which is free for members and youth age 18 and under. The museum also will be free for all visitors on February 27. Plan your visit.
Senga Nengudi: Topologies
Visitors can expect to see a 40-year span of Nengudi’s work that she produced on both U.S. coasts, in Colorado, and abroad. Learn about two of the works on view, which the museum acquired for the modern and contemporary art collection.
Shantell Martin: Words and Lines
The exhibition features Martin’s signature black and white drawings that explore intersectionality, identity, and play. The museum acquired Elevator and Column to be part of the modern and contemporary art collection.
More works by Black artists
Fred Wilson's chandelier called The Way the Moon's in Love with the Dark, and Mark Bradford's painting Realness, which are both recent acquisitions, are on view in The Light Show through March 7.
Learn more about Senga Nengudi
To prepare for your visit, these videos provide a sneak peek of the exhibition and insight into her work. In our interview, Senga Nengudi discusses her career and offers a glimpse of her artistic practice, including her work with wire and nylons (two of the regular materials she uses). Watch her transform them into a kind of headdress or mask, challenging the viewer to think differently about these everyday materials.
Learn more about Shantell Martin
In this video, Shantell Martin discusses her process and how her work expands the narrative about creativity and freedom.
Watch local Black artists
In conjunction with Topologies, the museum's virtual Untitled: Creative Fusions at Home livestream featured local artists Kenya Fashaw and Adri Norris working with all Black, all female collaborators for musical, dance, and spoken-word performances, an offbeat art tour of the exhibition (with Moe Gram pictured left), a Capoeira demonstration, a panel discussion about Blackness, liberation, and more.
