Biblical stories and themes aren't anything new to the world of art. But those themes are now seen in a new light, thanks to an exhibit at Dixon Gallery and Gardens in east Memphis that features the works of African-American artists.
This work by Jared Small, depicting the parable of the Good Samaritan, is part of the new exhibit at Dixon — Photo courtesy of Dixon Gallery and Gardens
The unique African-American perspective on Bible stories is told through photographs, paintings and other works in the exhibit called Ashe to Amen: African Americans and Biblical Imagery. Ashe - pronounced ah-shay - is a word from the Yoruban culture of Nigeria that implies the power to make something happen.
The exhibit, open through January 5, 2014, was organized by the Museum of Biblical Art in New York and features 59 works. The art centers on the themes of faith, identity, liberation and more. The pieces show a very personal interpretation of classic Bible stories. All of the works in the exhibit are by African-American artists, and many of these artists are still working today.
Dixon hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Also, the museum is open until 9 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
General admission is $7 for adults, $5 for those 65 and older, $5 for students 18 and older with ID, $3 for ages seven to 17 and free for children six and younger. Tuesday is Pay-What-You-Can Day.
