Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America: The Perspective from the African American Museum of Philadelphia

The African American Museum of Philadelphia was one of the two sites for Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America. The question posed about whether our democracy is rising or setting is one that is particularly relevant to Black and brown artists. Artists took their own approaches to address this question using a wide array of media and techniques including painting, sculpture, photography, collage, and video. Some artists incorporated mixed media with performative elements, some blurred the lines between figuration and abstraction, while others activated archival documents with site specific installations that reexamine and even challenge the historical record. There were works that highlighted historic figures and personal family narratives, while others created mythical figures and relied on spirituality to reimagine life in the future. Some required audience participation, while others created space for intimate reflection.Through these diverse approaches, the artists hoped to empower the public to reflect on important issues of our time— including the struggle for racial equality, equitable representation, immigration policies, nationhood and identity formation, and a societal commitment to freedom of expression. The results challenge us to examine how we define democracy, freedom, and identity, both in the United States and beyond our borders.