Exhibit focuses on black women

By NANETTE BITTING
Collegian Arts Writer

In the HUB Formal Gallery hang lifelike, black and white portraits of extraordinary black women --women whose actions changed the course of America. Portraits that incite overwhelming feelings of inspiration and awe.

The women in the pictures almost breathe with life next to a three-paragraph accompanying text briefly expressing their lives and words.

"I was, and still am, convinced that the women of the world 'united without any regard for national or racial dimensions' can become a most powerful force for international peace and brotherhood," states the text beside the portrait of Coretta Scott King, widow of Martin Luther King, Jr. and developer of the King Center for Non-violent Social Change in Atlanta.

The photographs of King and 74 other exceptional women are part of the photo exhibit -- "I Dream a World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America" --by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Brian Lanker.

The exhibit opened Feb. 11 in conjunction with Black History Month and will run through March 25.

One of the reasons the exhibit was chosen to be displayed now is so it would coincide with black history month, said Janice Gainer, gallery assistant.

"They are really inspiring to read. Most of us are not involved in black history on a daily basis," Gainer said. "I think it would benefit everyone to come and see it. It is a really great exhibit. It's a little piece of history that everyone can be in on."

The exhibit, which highlights women who have overcome obstacles of racism, sexism and poverty, is touring the United States under the sponsorship of the American Federation of Arts (AFA).

This is the only place it can be seen in Pennsylvania and it will be the last time the exhibit will be displayed in the United States, Gainer said.

"It is a very informative exhibit. If you read the cards in the gallery, you will find that all the women have overcome a lot. It just amazes me. Their accomplishments have really changed the way the world looks at women in general," she said.

The exhibit was so large, the Formal Gallery had to extend its regular viewing space to include the Browsing Gallery, Gainer said. It took weeks to properly display the 30 inch by 40 inch portraits and "fine tune" everything, she added.

Now in place, the exhibit is attracting and amazing many on-lookers.

"I think people are really enjoying it a lot. They just come out wide-eyed and kind of 'wow.' Everybody loves it," Gainer said.

The exhibit entails women from every facet of life, displayed in every aspect of life. A close-up of two-time Emmy winner Cicely Tyson reveals a woman poised with confidence, betrayed only by the hint of fear in her eyes. In the next room, a photo shows a self-assured Oprah Winfrey -- the first black woman to host a nationally syndicated television show and own her own film and television production company -- sitting on the corner of a white couch looking around a vase of lillies.

Other portraits include Rosa Parks, the woman who sparked the civil rights movement by refusing to give up her bus seat in 1995 Montgomery, Ala.; Wyomia Tyus, the first athlete to win the gold metal for the 100 meter race in two consecutive Olympic games; Althena Gibson, the first black American to play tennis at the U.S. Open in 1950 and Wimbledon in 1951; and Maya Angelou, the famous poet and first black female director in Hollywood.

"I think it is a great experience for a white caucasian male to learn more about other races, especially the black female," said Mike Whitehill (freshman-forestry science).

Crystalyn Hval (junior-industrial engineering) was also moved by the exhibit.

"It makes you realize how much women, black women in particular, have helped change society. I'd recommend everyone come see it because it is an excellent exhibit," she said.

Gainer hopes that people will not only learn from the exhibit, but also be motivated to get involved in the arts.

"I think it will really inspire people more to get into the arts. I think there is an arts revival thing going on -- people are becoming more aware of the arts," Gainer said, adding that she is seeing a movement away from mass manufacturing back toward hand-crafted art.

"Seeing all these arts, you know they are a part of our culture and shouldn't be stuffed away," Gainer said.

The exhibit will be complemented with a talk by Marc Hessel, associate professor of art and head of photography in the School of Visual Arts, at 4 p.m. March 15 in the HUB Browsing Gallery. Hessel will discuss the portraits and photography in general.

The HUB Formal Gallery is open noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Browsing Gallery is open noon to 8 p.m., seven days a week.