The inner workings, spiritual strivings, and transformation of Black Women Spiritualists are explored in a vision which layers alternative photography processes, the mixed media collage practice, and literary art to reveal the story of Archival Janie. She is altogether Black Women Spiritualists of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Transitioning from traditional Protestant Christianity to ancestral wisdom and a religion making practice rooted in Africana ways of knowing, the visual language of this autobiographical tale reveals a sacred transitional period. Archival Janie’s exploration of self, practice of self-actualization, and inclination for escapism leads to her lesson on the concept of volitation as a means for sustaining her vocational calling by the magical Great Blue Heron.

This body of work embodies Harris’ exploration of neohoodoo aesthetics, layering her spiritual practice, archival images, pinhole photography, deep blue hues of cyanotype, craft jewels, plants, natural fiber materials, decorative furniture, and faith themed literary art.

Khaleelah I. L. Harris, (b. 96) is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice considers the principles and theories of literature, interior design, alternative photography processes, and sculpture through textile. Her work reveals The Sacred by layering literary art, decorative art, alternative photography processes, mixed media, and sculpted textile. Additionally, each piece explores concepts such as portals, interiority and domesticity, religion-making along the Black Atlantic, gender and sexuality, and afrofuturism. Harris’ practice is split between Washington, D.C., where she is based, and her home-state of Florida.

My art practice is characterized by experimentation, sustainability, and spirituality. Alternative photography processes, mixed media collage, and sculpted textile come together to represent these characterizations, and reveal the Beauty of my own faith practice. A faith practice that requires me to remember, conjure, narrate, and make sense of chaos. This is my exploration of neohoodoo aesthetics. I returned home to Florida to develop this conceptual framework, The Women Could Fly, which is a conceptual exploration of two tales, The People Could Fly and Their Eyes Were Watching God. With the grace of the sun, I created each cyanotype print. Guided by my intuition and knowledge of plants and herbs, I gathered natural materials from the land and Atlantic shore. I spent hours in the everglades and navigated sand paths that revealed the quiet wisdom of that ecosystem. Janie’s story was complete and a new era of my art practice commenced.

ART ALL NIGHT

September 13, 7 pm to 12 am
9:30-10:30 pm

Cyanotype and Poetry Workshop
Instructor: Khaleelah I. L. Harris
9:30–10:30 pm

Led by solo artist Khaleelah I. L. Harris, visitors will participate in a cyanotype print and poetry workshop inspired by her exhibition titled Janie Flying Around.

THIRD THURSDAY

Artist Talk with Khaleelah I. L. Harris
Thursday, September 18, 6:15 pm

As a follow up to her hands-on print and poetry workshop during “Art All Night,” Khaleelah L. Harris joins us for a more intimate conversation about her exhibition Janie Flying Around. Following her immersive hands workshop. Harris will talk about ​​the inner workings, spiritual strivings, and transformation of Black Women Spiritualists  and her exploration into neohoodoo aesthetics.

Free to the public (a suggested a donation of $10)