“Echoes of Harlem: The New Black Arts Renaissance” will immerse audiences in the creativity and energy of Black artists, serving as both a tribute to the Harlem Renaissance and a spotlight on the contemporary Black arts movement. As an official part of the Newark Arts Festival, this exhibition will celebrate the cultural and artistic ties between Harlem and Newark, two communities that have long been at the forefront of Black art and expression.

Curatorial Statement:

At the core of Echoes of Harlem: The New Black Arts Renaissance is the idea of dialogue—between artists and audiences, between the past and the present, and between Harlem and Newark. Each artist featured in this exhibition contributes work that bridges these connections, offering 1-2 pieces that reflect not only their individual experiences but also a broader cultural narrative rooted in Black identity, resilience, and creativity.

Newark, much like Harlem, has a vibrant artistic community that draws on a long history of Black culture and activism. It is a city of makers, storytellers, and innovators. The convergence of these two spaces—Harlem and Newark—creates a powerful conversation about what it means to create in the present while honoring the influence of the past.

The selected artists represent a wide array of practices, from painting and sculpture to mixed media and photography. Together, they engage themes of identity, history, and the African diaspora, all while contributing to the ongoing evolution of Black art. They speak to the vitality of a movement that is not confined to geography but rather exists in the shared experiences of Black people across time and space.

Through this exhibition, we aim to create an immersive experience that engages viewers on multiple levels—visually, emotionally, and intellectually. The works on display are not only reflections of personal stories but also collective memories, pushing the boundaries of traditional narratives in Black art.

As we celebrate the intersection of these two communities, Echoes of Harlem: The New Black Arts Renaissance is a call to recognize the power of Black art to challenge, inspire, and heal. It is an invitation to witness the next chapter of the Black arts movement, one that thrives on the legacy of Harlem and finds new expression in Newark.