FLINT, Michigan — On Saturday, Nov. 23, the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) will welcome the new '
Cliff Joseph and the Power of Art,' exhibit that explores the influential work of Harlem-born artist Cliff Joseph. His contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and social justice leave a lasting impact on art and activism nationally.
Running through March 16, 2025, the exhibit offers visitors a closer look at Joseph’s legacy, emphasizing art as a tool for advocacy and societal reflection.
The concept for '
Cliff Joseph and the Power of Art' stems from a shared interest in showcasing art that speaks to broader social issues.
“Joseph’s dedication to the Civil Rights Movement through his art and actions, we curated an exhibition that included these loans as well as artworks from the FIAs collection by Black artists who also use their artworks to make meaningful statements on society, explore collective histories of African Americans, and use their art as a source of power,” explains Rachael Holstege, FIA Associate Curator.
By bringing Joseph’s works into this space, the FIA aims to create an experience that encourages visitors to reflect on historical and contemporary themes of equality, justice, and resilience.
Joseph's work is deeply connected to the Civil Rights Movement, as demonstrated by his powerful response to the 1963 Birmingham church bombing. After members of the KKK attacked the 16th Street Baptist Church, killing four young girls, Joseph created
The Children of Birmingham, a print depicting the girls sheltered beneath a manger formed from the church’s rubble.
Fully titled '
The Freedom Tree in memory of: The Children of Birmingham,' the piece honored their memory, and Joseph reproduced it as Christmas cards, donating the proceeds to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King responded with letters expressing his gratitude, noting how Joseph’s art captured the profound meaning and sacrifice of their non-violent struggle. Through this act, Joseph used his art to support the movement and amplify its message, weaving his creative work into the fabric of the Civil Rights Movement.
The exhibit is not limited to Joseph’s works alone. It also features contributions from other prominent artists whose work explores similar themes of protest and civil rights, providing a rich context for understanding the broader landscape of activist art.
According to Holstege, “Visitors can look forward to seeing artworks by Cliff Joseph and reading first-hand correspondence between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and himself. They can also see powerful artworks by other artists, including Charles White, Elizabeth Catlett, Matthew Owen Wead, and Flint-based Ed Watkins.”
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Cliff Joseph, American, 1922 - 2020. Freedom, z. Oil on canvas board 20 13/16 x 15 13/16 in. Private collection, Flint, Michigan.
The exhibit is located in the Contemporary African American and African Diaspora Gallery, a space within the FIA chosen to accommodate the unique visual and thematic scope of the exhibit. The layout aims to create an immersive experience that facilitates a deeper connection to the work on display.
Describing the exhibit’s purpose, Holstege notes, “With all of our exhibitions we hope that visitors will be able to connect with what they are seeing, and if not, give them a better appreciation for the artists, mediums, or themes being explored. In this case, visitors will be introduced to Cliff Joseph, who is relatively unknown but his impact on the Civil Rights Movement and art history is not to be overlooked.”
This objective aligns with the museum’s mission to present art that not only exemplifies artistic excellence but also serves as a platform for critical discourse on significant societal issues.
The artwork featured in the exhibit was carefully selected to highlight the cultural and historical significance of Joseph’s contributions as well as the larger movement within which he operated.
“The artworks for the exhibition were chosen from the FIA’s permanent collection and local loans,” says Holstege. “The artworks were chosen based on how well they fit the theme of the exhibition. These artworks are significant culturally because they are a visual history of the events that have happened and the impact on the communities it affects. Artwork can push beyond the boundaries of written history and showcase real emotions from a moment in time.”
The pieces in the exhibit invite viewers to consider how art can act as a powerful medium for expressing and shaping social consciousness.
When asked what the FIA hopes visitors will take away from the exhibit, Holstege hopes visitors explore the many mediums artists depict social justice. Through engaging with Joseph’s work and the works of other artists in the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to consider the intersections of art, activism, and history.
Reflecting on a personal highlight, Holstege shares, “My favorite thing about the exhibition is the diversity in style and subject matter. The artists in the exhibition span working in the 1940s through today so the styles are very diverse, but they all have a common thread of being socially conscious.”
The 'Cliff Joseph and the Power of Art' exhibit runs from Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, through March 16, 2025. To learn more about upcoming exhibits and events at the Flint Institute of Arts, visit: flintarts.org