FLINT, Michigan — This month, the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) opened two powerful exhibitions that celebrate Black history and artistic expression by way of '
Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist & Visionary'
and '
We Loved the Swag: From Black Bottom Until Now' by Michigan-based collage artist Judy Bowman. Both exhibitions will be on view from now through April 19, bringing a vibrant mix of historical and contemporary perspectives on Black identity, resilience, and storytelling.
Romare Bearden, one of the most influential African American artists of the 20th century, is known for his richly layered collages, which reflect the everyday lives, struggles, and triumphs of Black Americans. 'Artist as Activist & Visionary' highlights his role in challenging racial stereotypes and pushing for social change through his art.
“Bearden’s work has always been about more than just artistic expression—it’s about using art as a tool for social change,” says Rachael Holstege, Associate Curator at FIA. “The artworks in this exhibition highlight Bearden’s socially conscious narratives, many of which were created for magazine commissions. His ability to reach wide audiences through his art, career as a welfare worker, and writings all demonstrate his activism.”
Bowman, a Detroit-based artist, follows in Bearden’s footsteps, using collage to celebrate the beauty, pride, and culture of Black communities. Her exhibition, 'We Loved the Swag: From Black Bottom Until Now,' explores the vibrancy of Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood, where style, music, and community thrived.
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Judy Bowman.
“The fact that both artists specialize in collage is not the only link between them,” Holstege explains. “Both Bearden and Bowman create artworks that focus on the Black experience. Bearden challenged stereotypes of African Americans in the mid-20th century, while Bowman has taken that mission to the next level by exalting and highlighting the beauty and rich culture of African Americans.”
A highlight of this exhibition experience is the FIA’s newly launched Exploration Annex, an interactive space where visitors can engage with the themes and techniques of both artists.
“The Exploration Annex is a space where visitors can not only be like Bearden and Bowman and make a collage firsthand but can also sit and reflect on what they have seen in the exhibition,” Holstege says. “Spaces like these are important to make a direct connection between the artwork and the viewer.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to create their own collages inspired by Bearden’s cityscapes and Bowman’s dynamic characters, adding their personal touch to an evolving community art piece. For those planning to visit the museum, Holstege recommends paying special attention to some standout pieces in both exhibitions.
“Included in Bearden’s exhibition is his oldest oil painting, Soup Kitchen from 1935,” she says. “With this work, visitors can see where Bearden starts, as a social realist artist, to where he ended up as a figurative collage artist.”
She also encourages guests to take a close look at one of the FIA’s own pieces from Bearden’s celebrated Prevalence of Ritual series.
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Romare Bearden, American, 1911 - 1988. Slave Ship, 1971. Screenprint 29 x 18 in. Licensed by VAGA at Artist Rights Society, New York, NY.“Visitors should look out for the collage by Romare Bearden that the FIA owns, The Prevalence of Ritual: Reverend John’s Sermon No. 1,” she adds.
In addition to the exhibitions, FIA will host a special Meet the Artist session with Judy Bowman on Saturday, March 29, where attendees can interact with the artist in her exhibition space.
“Attendees can expect to have an opportunity to meet Judy Bowman and, if time permits, talk with her about her artwork,” Holstege notes. “The event will be held inside of her exhibition, creating an intimate space for discussion and engagement.”
The FIA hopes these exhibitions will spark broader conversations about Black history, culture, and representation in the arts.
“Exhibitions like these highlight the creativity found within the Black community,” Holstege says. “Romare Bearden and Judy Bowman are just two names on a long list of African American artists who have used their artwork to bring about social change, challenge stereotypes, and uplift those within their community. Each exhibition brings an opportunity to work closer to equity within the art world.”
Beyond these exhibitions, FIA remains committed to expanding its collection of African American and African Diaspora artworks.
“This is an ongoing piece of the FIA’s mission to connect with diverse communities,” Holstege explains. “Funds raised from the Community Gala will go toward expanding the museum’s collection of African American and African Diaspora artworks, as well as developing educational programming to illuminate our guests about Black artists and art in the FIA collection.”
The Flint Institute of Arts is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free for FIA members and Genesee County residents, $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under, $8 for students with ID and seniors. Admission is free for everyone on Saturday, courtesy of Huntington Bank. To learn more, visit: flintarts.org