“The Power of Kinship,” an Exhibition by Adrian Octavius Walker, curated by Curtis Taylor, Jr.
2022
In The Power of Kinship, Walker’s work explores Black American beauty traditions amongst Black men in a spiritual way. The intimacy depicted in each photograph erases the mythology of “the threat” often assigned to black men and pushes the viewer to see the power of kinship within brotherhood. Walker seeks to expand notions of Blackness by challenging the American perception of Black men in the community. This exhibition is inspired by Walker's investigations within his own body, the dynamics of the Black family, and archival work related to the African American experience. Adrian’s intention with this collection of works was to create intimate portraits based on his studies of human interactions in urban settings that share untold stories. As this is an ever-evolving work, Walker has decided to expand his original collection of works entitled “We Matter,” which only included still photography and now will house sculpture as well. This exhibition will be an introduction to Walker’s sculptural practice. The sculptures are focused on preserving nostalgic Black hair rituals through an imaginative reinterpretation.
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