Zenith Gallery Celebrates Local Black Artists, History

D.C.’s storied Zenith Gallery recently hosted a Black History Month artist talk featuring Cheryl Edwards, Hubert Jackson and Bernie Houston.

With the Association of African American Life and History (ASALH), the creators of Black History Month, celebrating “African Americans and the Arts” as its 2024 theme, the conversation turned into a robust dialogue about the artists’ lives, works and journeys.

Edwards, a multimedia artist with deep roots in the District, captivated the audience with the explanation of her series “The Sacredness of Life,” which reflects upon the fragility of existence during the pandemic. 

“There are 11 paintings… and what I was thinking about during that time is how fragile our life is. There were many people dying. And, even in spite of all of that, there were still horrible things happening in the news. I mean, we weren’t learning anything as humans,” she shared.

Edwards underscored the emotional depth and introspection embedded in her work; highlighting the human condition’s complexities in times of crisis. By reflecting on a period marked by widespread loss and uncertainty, Edwards explored how individuals and societies respond to crises. 

Her use of metaphors, such as African dolls and water, added layers of meaning to Edwards’ paintings, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of revival, hope, and the interconnectedness of life.

Jackson then entered the dialogue, sharing his exploration of the African-American experience through his series on the Civil War, with a particular focus on the significance of his hometown Culpeper, Virginia.

“Culpeper is sort of like the hub of a lot of things that went on during the Civil War,” he explained.

Jackson’s connection to Culpeper added a personal dimension to his work, as the town’s strategic importance during the Civil War provided a context for exploring the contributions and experiences of African Americans throughout the conflict. Through his mixed-media paintings, Jackson incorporated found objects and artifacts from the battlefields. Jackson invited the talk’s attendees to reflect on the human cost of war and the resilience of communities affected by the Civil War.

Lastly, Houston jumped in, recounting his journey as a driftwood artist, which began in his childhood in the fishing town of Thunderbolt, Georgia. He described his process of transforming driftwood into art, emphasizing the importance of listening to the wood and respecting nature.

Houston shared his ambition to collect driftwood from every continent and state with tidal water, and his careful approach to navigating property rights and environmental concerns during his excursions. He also reflected on his background as a painter and graphic artist, and his transition to working with driftwood professionally after college.

Throughout the panel, all of the artists emphasized the importance of art as a medium for expressing truths and challenging societal norms. 

Ultimately, Edwards sought to use the Black History Month event as an educational opportunity – highlighting the symbiotic relationship between artists and collectors, while emphasizing the role of art collectors in preserving and fostering cultural heritage.

“I think that if you’re enamored with any piece of art, you should consider yourself a keeper of the culture,” Edwards shared. “Keeper[s] of the culture means that you support the artist by buying their work.”