Sophia, an EAC Intern, writes about Stephanie Staton’s Artwork “Untitled,” displayed in the Migrations in Black and White | 2.0 exhibit in our First Floor Gallery from August 10-September 8, 2024:
Displayed in our first floor gallery space from August 10-September 8, Migrations in Black and White | 2.0 curated by Makeba Kedem-DuBose explores the evolving theme of freedom since 2020, addressing urgent global issues through diverse artistic expressions. In a showcase of (almost) strictly black and white artworks, color theory takes the reins in unmasking the real complexities of the widespread subject matter: migration crises, censorship through book bans, escalating food insecurity, and much more. This iteration rethinks the inaugural exhibition, which drew inspiration from the Great Migration and addressed the lack of visibility for South Side Chicago-based Black artists in the city's northern stretch.
White helping to install the exhibition, we caught up with featured artist Stephanie Staton about her piece titled “Untitled”:
As we walk across the gallery and find ourselves in front of her black and white portrait of a black woman, Staton lets loose a staggering statistic: While black women make up only 13% of the U.S. population, they represent 40% of the individuals reported missing in the FBI’s official database. The glaring disparity fascinates and frustrates Staton, and she asks, “Why does the disappearance of black women fail to garner the level of urgency it deserves from law enforcement?” This severe discrepancy in the visibility of missing black women is at the heart of Staton's artistic expression, and her choice of medium reflects the gravity of the issue.
Typically known for her vibrant use of color, Staton faced a personal challenge in creating "Untitled" by working exclusively in black and white. She began with a white canvas, using black to bring the figure to life before revisiting the piece with white to refine and clarify her vision. This method mirrors the ongoing struggle for clarity and attention in the face of overwhelming silence.
For Staton, the exhibit symbolizes a broader sense of movement, whether it be towards awareness or continued indifference. The interplay of black and white in her work serves as a metaphor for the ongoing struggle between visibility and obscurity faced by missing black women. The white of her portrait seems to slowly encroach upon the black figure, threatening to overcome it in a display of disappearance, and Staton’s lines are fluid and organic, embracing a story of visual flow.
The artist’s personal connection to the project is also significant. Staton has known Makeba, who encouraged her to revisit painting for this exhibit, since the 4th grade. This encouragement was pivotal in her decision to tackle this pressing issue through her art.
"Untitled" is more than just an artwork; it is a call to action and a reminder of the voices that have been lost in the shadows. The exhibit invites viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths about the systemic neglect of missing black women and to reflect on the broader implications of this crisis.
From August 10-September 8, the First Floor Gallery provides a space for these critical conversations evoked by the artwork of Stephanie Staton and over 30 others in Migrations in Black and White | 2.0.