In its first show of the season, Dupont Underground (19 Dupont Circle NW) is featuring a new art exhibition throughout March.
The exhibit, entitled “The Cost of Living: An Observation of the Resistance, Resilience, and Joy of the Black Woman”, features black female and femme artists and explores the historical struggle black women in America face making ends meet. The installations will consist of 2D, 3D, audio and visual art forms.
Artist and curator Nikki Brooks said the goal of the exhibit is to provide perspective of Black lived experience through the gaze of Black women.
“I decided to do this show because I was thinking about my family,” Brooks said. “I was thinking about the stories they would tell me about how they grew up and didn’t have much. These issues have persisted since enslavement. Systems have been put in place to hold us back. It was important to highlight how we have been able to survive and find joy in spite of the cost of living.”
Dupont Underground is a locally based arts organization that transformed an abandoned space in Dupont Circle into a platform for artistic expression with a focus on reflecting the diversity of the community. CEO Ana Harvey expressed excitement about the new installation.
“Dupont Underground is proud to collaborate with Nikki Brooks on this exhibit that shines a
light on the struggle that Black women have experienced while providing for their families,”
said Ana Harvey, Dupont Underground’s CEO. “In keeping with our mission to inspire and
strengthen thought-provoking dialogue among artists and the community, we welcome Nikki Brooks and these amazing artists.”
Featured artists include Lavett Ballard, Nikki Brooks, Sydney Buffalow, Chanel Compton, Carmen Jenkins Frazier, LaToya Hobbs, Oliver James, Betty Johnson, Denese King-Ashley, Sarah Matthews, Liz Miller, Brittany Mona’, Brandy Blue Murphy, Zsudayka Nzinga and Annett Williams.
The new exhibit will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 26. The following events will also take place throughout the month:
- Healing Through Spiritual Practices and Rituals (Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m.)
- Sistah’s Night Out Fundraiser for the DC Girl Coalition with a special performance by spoken word artist Carlynn Newhouse (Saturday, March 18 at 7 p.m.)
- Closing Reception (Sunday, March 26 at 3 p.m.) Individuals interested in attending are asked to RSVP here.
General admission tickets are $10 and tickets for students, seniors and active duty military are $8. You can learn more about the exhibit and purchase tickets here.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
