Birmingham Civil Rights Institute To Feature Prints From Major African American Artist David C. Driskell

UMD's David C. Driskell's work will be featured at BCRI for their upcoming anniversary.

UMD's David C. Driskell's work will be featured at BCRI for their upcoming anniversary.
By The Birmingham Times

To honor its approaching 20th anniversary (2012), the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will present “Evolution: Five Decades of Printmaking by David C. Driskell,” on September 6 through December 18 in the Odessa Woolfolk Gallery. “Evolution” is the first exhibition to highlight the prints of Distinguished University of Maryland Professor Emeritus of Art, David C. Driskell, an artist, art historian, collector, curator, educator, and one of the most recognized and respected names in the world of African American art and culture. Driskell has been a practicing artist and active printmaker since the 1950s, and his works are in major museums throughout the world.

This exhibition is organized by the David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland, College Park and includes more than 75 prints by Driskell, as well as several works on paper which provide insight into Driskell’s artistic process and development. In addition, the exhibition includes several woodblocks used to produce the prints. 

“What makes Driskell’s works exceptional,” stated Ahmad Ward, BCRI’s Head of Education, “are the various styles and mediums he uses to explore subjects in nature, culture, religion, imagery and experimentation with African forms and subjects.“  Ward added, “Through this array of prints, you get a sense of Driskell’s interests, strengths, experiences, and family. “

Driskell is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject of African American Art, and has made extensive contributions to contemporary scholarship in the field. As a curator, he has been a driving force behind some of the most important exhibitions of African American art. Driskell has authored and co-authored numerous books, catalogues, and articles on African American art. 

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