As part of the Frist Art Museum’s ambition to creatively activate spaces throughout its historic building, we present our inaugural Art in the Atrium project, underscoring that art is all around us. Nashville-based artist TC is creating two new large-scale collages on the landings of both of our grand staircases. TC began making collages in high school when an art teacher introduced them to the work of Romare Bearden. TC’s projects often draw from their experiences growing up in East Memphis, shining a light on the many hardships and bright spots found in often difficult environments.
This initiative is presented in association with the exhibition Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage opening September 15 in the Ingram Gallery.
Artist’s Statement
In my artwork, I examine the highs and lows of growing up as a Black, queer person in the South. My collages aim to give different viewpoints on how we may work together to solve some of the challenges that Black neighborhoods experience. I want to talk about the idea that as a community we’ve been taught to hate and run from our culture instead of paving the way for the future generations and passing on values, self-assurance, success, and bravery. Through my artwork, I want to convey to people that avoiding the experience by running away or hiding isn’t at all beneficial. We have to acknowledge the pain and let the healing process take place in our community.
Presented in part by
