On View January 11 - February 16, 2025
Opening Reception January 26, 1-4 pm RSVP
The Four Virtues is a four-part monograph that explores and cements the virtue of Black Men and boys through images. The Four Virtues: Fatherhood, Work, Wonder, and Fellowship provide witness to the complexity of Black Men and boys as they navigate narratives hostile to their identities, wellness, and the communities in which they live. Mirroring the cardinal virtues, these captured images and written exposition explore how these Four Virtues provide the lens through which Black men and boys should be supported, loved, and honored in our society.
Chicagoland has a rich tradition and history of being an anchor for Black excellence: showcasing these virtues in action creates a beacon of light for Black men and boys while disrupting false narratives that negatively impact their wellness. This light is needed more than ever as “Black Male Suicides are Rising Faster Than Any Other Racial Group.” The images and writing for the first virtue, FatherHood, were featured at the Evanston Art Center (EAC) in 2023. The second virtue, Work, was featured at the EAC in 2024. The third virtue, Wonder which will be featured at the EAC in 2025 will explore the relationship of Black men as they navigate their communities in a state of wonder. This virtue directly runs counter to the forced need for hyper-vigilance which is required from a young age to mitigate environmental threats that they face as Black men and boys. It also runs counter to the expectation that they, as Black men and boys, are inherently threatening to the communities in which they belong.
Eli Williamson is a nonprofit and philanthropy executive with over a decade of experience
working to solve complex problems in distressed communities. His goal as a photo essayist is to
use street photography to challenge false narratives of the Afro-American Diaspora. Eli is also
the co-founder of Leave No Veteran Behind, an Illinois-based non-profit that invests in veterans
to build more resilient communities. He was the former Director of Veterans Programs for the
Robert R. McCormick Foundation. Eli served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a non-commissioned
officer in the US Army, as a member of Psychological Operations (PSYOP), and as an Arabic
linguist supporting special operations forces. Eli is a dedicated father and enjoys taking summer
wilderness adventures in his camper with his standard poodle Starla.
Eli Williamson is a photo essayist born and bred on the talented streets of Chicago’s South Side.
His street photography works to capture the intimate moments of Afro-American diaspora
communities, which have created the underpinnings of popular culture worldwide. His focus on
capturing the narratives of Black Men and Boys through images creates opportunities to upend
the stereotypes that have been detrimental to their wellness and detrimental to the cohesion
of the communities in which they live. By combining his images with written exposition, his
audience can understand his perspective through his experiences as a Black father and
nonprofit leader in the communities where he lives and works. His images focus on color,
reciprocal relationships, and community grit. This focus underpins his ability to capture
authentic imagery of the Afro-American diaspora that is emulated worldwide. His current
project, the Four Virtues, is a four-part monograph that explores and cements the virtue of
Black Men and Boys through photo essays and written exposition. The first virtue of this project
is FatherHood, which was featured at the Evanston Art Center in 2023. The second virtue,
Work was featured at the Evanston Art Center in 2024. The third virtue, Wonder will be
featured at the Evanston Art Center beginning January 2025.
Image Credits: Eli Williamson, Wonder
GALLERY HOURS & VISITOR INFORMATION
This exhibition will be held in the First Floor Lobby Gallery of the Evanston Art Center (EAC). Masks are optional but strongly recommended for students, visitors, and staff.
Gallery Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9am–6pm
Friday: 9am–5pm
Saturday–Sunday: 9am–4pm
HOW TO PURCHASE ARTWORK
Artwork sale proceeds benefit both the artist and the Evanston Art Center. If you are interested in purchasing artwork on display, please contact Emma Rose Gudewicz, Director of Development and Exhibition Manager, at [email protected] or (847) 475-5300 x 102.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.