Marcus Dawson chats with Michael S. Williams about how he began to "bloom." Video by Julia Wall.

Blooming in Plain sight

210 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC (map)
august 15 to October 11, 2024

A Black On Black Project and Project 8179 Collaboration

"Sometimes, as a Black man in America, people are distracted by the circumstances that are around us, but rarely do they stop and pause, and inquire about what's going on with us." — Marcus Dawson

Exhibition statement: Dr. Daniel Black, author and professor at Clark Atlanta University, opens his book of essays, Black on Black, by saying, "I write because I hated who I was; then God told me I was divine and shame had no place in a divine soul." In Blooming in Plain Sight, collage artist Marcus Dawson explores the intricate and nuanced existence of Black men in America as they search for their divine nature. He uses found materials and images to compose the beautiful complexity of Black men.

The collages depict various themes of Black manhood, such as sorrow, fear, injustice, joy, and liberation. Purposefully crafted pieces use vintage magazines, books, painted paper, floral imagery, gold leaf, and pages from the artist's journals. Clippings from a vintage anatomy book and the artist's inherited family Bible present the duality of humanity and spirituality within Black men. Dawson's creations shine a light on those who have been blooming in plain sight.

An anchor piece in the exhibition is Cry Like a Man, a gold-collaged circular table representing wholeness and completion. It features gold hands holding the face of a Black man weeping, showing profound tenderness and the release of pent-up emotion. It is surrounded by a beautiful bouquet that adds softness to emphasize Black men need not be hardened by life's experiences.

The exhibition provides an introspective look into a space often barricaded by masks and trauma. The collages in Blooming in Plain Sight are a healing salve for the wounded and those Black men who have fought silent battles. Dawson provides a safe place for those buried by life to begin blooming freely for the world to see.

exhibition INfo + Events

Gallery Hours: Thursdays and Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fourth Fridays: August 23 and September 27, 4 to 9 p.m.
Artist Talk: Friday, September 27, 6:30 p.m.