American Justice— She Ain’t Blind challenges issues of race, prejudicial judgment, and racialized justice…
Provocative exhibition, in seven series, opens July 21 at the Jazz Foundation
Perception and reality often collide in real-world situations, many times leaving carnage in its wake. Such was the case for noted attorney Stanley B. Stallworth, Esq., whose very public legal purgatory began in December 2013, when he was wrongfully charged with sexual assault. Legally vindicated, but forever scarred, Stallworth, also known as the artist HIM, has curated an exhibition which includes noted local, national and international artists, all exploring issues relating to Racialized American Justice. The exhibition entitled American Justice: She Ain’t Blind opens with a special preview on July 21 at the Jazz Foundation, 2635 South Wabash Avenue, and opens to the public on July 22.
Over 30 African Diasporic artists have taken up Stallworth’s case, and through their artistic media – brush, crumbled clay, honed stones and sculpted wood – portray a series of events steeped in scandal, trumped-up accusations, incarceration, and ultimately triumph and healing. Co-curated by Roe Melloe and BRYANTlamont, the exhibition is presented in seven artistic series The Blue Suite; Jim Crow – The Old is the New; Generations of Sistas (Thank You); (Rules) In These Streets; Move Spirit (Sanity and Obsession); Just Because — Life Remains Beautiful (Just Cuz); and The Least Among Us.
The exhibition has been designed to create discourse by asking viewers to contemplate, and directly confront issues of race and class. “Why, in this America, is there a presumption that Black and Brown people are inherently dangerous?” Stallworth asks. “Why is there such a rush to judgment in the case of these members of society? Do their cases not merit a thorough investigation? This exhibition begins to scratch the surface of how power and privilege shape the narrative of the criminal justice system, not just in Chicago, but throughout the country.”
Additional events being held as part of American Justice: She Ain’t Blind include a Jazz and Champagne Brunch onSunday, July 23, and a special exhibition tour and program for students on Monday, July 24. A RSVP is required for the brunch ($50.00) and the student program.
Stallworth plans to commit a portion of the profits, from this innovative exhibit to creating re-entry programs to
assist young Black men who have been incarcerated or adversely impacted by the criminal justice system to re-– more –
enter society and gain employment and occupational training. Also, all proceeds from the artistic series The Least Among Us will be dedicated to the cancer-related healthcare of participating artist, Christine.
Follow the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #BlackManBlues, #AmericanJustice, #SheAintBlind.
Stan Stallworth, curators, and artists are available for pre-event interviews, please contact us for access
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About American Justice — She Ain’t Blind. Experience the story of Stan Stallworth as told through the work of nearly 40 artists, including HIM – Stallworth’s artistic alter ego. American Justice–She Ain’t Blind brings a creative vision from nearly 40 artists, from across the Diaspora. Artistically, they explore a single event, steeped in scandal, trumped-up accusations, incarceration, and ultimately triumph and healing. The images in this exhibit have been created to bring focus and light to a world that has been so often unfair to men of color. Join the exploration of American Justice, to ask the question: IS SHE REALLY BLIND?
