Alexandria, Louisiana — The Alexandria Museum of Art begins its 40th anniversary year with a dynamic exhibition opening on December 2, 2016, that challenges negative stereotypes of African-American women in American popular culture, exemplified by the trio “Mammy," "Jezebel," and "Sapphire."
'The exhibition examines the trope of the “Strong Black Woman”, uncovering the opportunities and dangers that this characterization creates for Black women. From the suffering mama, to the stoic victim, to the sassy broad – the images presented in the exhibition question and overturn entrenched archetypes of Black femininity. Frankly addressing ideas such as frailty, sexualized power, and racially bounded ideals of beauty, the exhibition presents us with compelling and nuanced examinations of multiple Black female identities and experiences. Curated jointly by the Inter Disciplinary Experimental Arts Space at Colorado College and the Alexandria Museum of Art from the collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, Beyond Mammy, Jezebel, & Sapphire features images of and by Black women.
Also on exhibition during the period (December 2, 2016 – February 18, 2017) is Faculty & Friends: Reminiscing, an invitational exhibition that highlights just a few of the many talented artists who have worked with AMoA in some manner over its 40-year history. Whether they were staff or board members, volunteers, professors at LSUA, or longtime supporters of the Museum, the artists in this show have played a role in making AMoA what it is today. Opening on Friday, December 2, 2016, from 6:30-8:30pm, the reception and preview for these two exhibitions will be free and open to the public as part of AMoA’s contribution to WinterFête activities, in addition to AMoA’s annual Winter Illuminate the Arts procession that will roll through the festival grounds during the evening. For more information on the exhibitions or the illuminated procession, please visit www.themuseum.org.
About the Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation
At age 14, Jordan D. Schnitzer bought his first work of art from his mother’s Portland, Oregon contemporary art gallery, evolving into his lifelong avocation as collector. He began collecting contemporary prints and multiples in earnest in 1988. Today, the collection exceeds 10,000 works and includes many of today’s most important contemporary artists. It has grown to be one of the country’s largest private print collections overall. He generously lends work from his collection to qualified institutions and has organized over 100 exhibitions at more than 100 museums. Mr. Schnitzer is also President of Harsch Investment Properties, a privately owned real estate investment company based in Portland, Oregon, with over 24 million square feet of office, multi-tenant industrial, multi-family and retail properties in six western states. For more information about the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, please visit www.jordanschnitzer.org.
About the Alexandria Museum of Art
The Alexandria Museum of Art opened in October 1977 as the public organ of the Central Louisiana Art Association, which had existed since 1938. Since its inception, the Museum was housed in a complex dominated by the historic Rapides Bank Building, c. 1898, a National Register structure. The Mission of the Alexandria Museum of Art is to foster a culturally rich community by engaging, enlightening and inspiring individuals through innovative art experiences. For additional information visit www.themuseum.org.