3 the Hard Way is an exhibition meant to discuss America’s current problem of toxic masculinity. The title of this exhibition generously borrows from the Blaxploitation film entitled, “Three, The Hard Way” directed by the legendary photographer and filmographer, Gordon Parks, Jr. in 1974. The plot of the film centers around three black heroes as they go to war with a government-funded hate group. The government agent’s attempts to put together a devious but dubious plan to taint American water systems with a toxic-pathogen that only affect American Americans. Unfortunately, this film was released 45 years ago and the issues are still prevalent today.

As toxic masculine men study war, women and children are the true victims of man’s hubris and martyrdom. James Baldwin stated that “The American idea of sexuality appears to be rooted in the American idea of masculinity.” Socially, the definition of “masculinity” has been challenged and redefined. Granting that this exhibition has a visual aesthetic, we would like to ask our audience to open dialogue. Continue this conversation beyond our gallery walls as artists Anthony Suber, Spencer Evans and Vitus Shell boldly take on “The Man” with the power of 3.

PRESS RELEASE | curator | Dominic R. Clay

Opening Reception: April 26, 2019 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Exhibition Dates: April 26, 2019  – June 19, 2019

Gallery Hours: Wed – Sat | 11pm-6pm | Thurs. | 11pm-8pm 

 

ABOUT HOUSTON MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE

The mission of HMAAC is to collect, conserve, explore, interpret, and exhibit the material and intellectual culture of Africans and African Americans in Houston, the state of Texas, the southwest and the African Diaspora for current and future generations. In fulfilling its mission, HMAAC seeks to invite and engage visitors of every race and background and to inspire children of all ages through discovery-driven learning. HMAAC is a museum for all people. As such, it is a multicultural conversation on race geared toward creating a common future. While our focus is the African American experience, our story informs and includes not only people of color, but people of all colors. As a result, the stories and exhibitions that HMAAC brings to Texas are about the indisputable fact that while our experience is a unique one, it has been impacted by and has impacted numerous races, genders and ethnicities.

Houston Museum of African American Culture

4807 Caroline Street | Houston, Texas 77004

P | 713-526-1015 | www.hmaac.org