A stunning portrayal of the Gullah Geechee community’s everyday life captured through photography.
The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City is showcasing the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee community through the exhibition ‘Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and the Last Gullah Islands’. Featuring 13 black-and-white photographs, this exhibit highlights the essence of life on Daufuskie Island and addresses the community’s challenges and celebrations. It remains open until May 2025, with a public program scheduled for February 2025, offering deeper insights into Gullah culture.
In the vibrant city of New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art is hosting an enchanting photographic exhibit that shines a light on the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee community. Titled Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and the Last Gullah Islands, this exhibition features an impressive display of 13 black-and-white photographs along with two published portfolios capturing the essence of life on Daufuskie Island, a small gem nestled off the coast of South Carolina.
These striking photographs, taken between the late 1970s and early 1980s, showcase a community navigating through significant changes. Moutoussamy-Ashe’s work is poignant, delivering a narrative that emphasizes joy and celebration within the Black community, despite the transitions they faced.
It all began in 1977 when Moutoussamy-Ashe embarked on a journey to discover Gullah Geechee culture after a friend encouraged her to explore the sea islands. That initial spark quickly blossomed into a dedicated exploration of Daufuskie Island, where Moutoussamy-Ashe became a familiar face over a span of five years. Throughout this period, she gained the trust and warmth of the local residents, allowing her to document their stories authentically.
The exhibit captures significant moments from the Gullah community, emphasizing rituals, relationships, and community events that define their cultural fabric. Among the highlights of the collection are breathtaking portraits of Lavinia “Blossum” Robinson, a respected matriarch and fierce advocate against the island’s development.
During the time of Moutoussamy-Ashe’s visits, Daufuskie Island was confronting severe economic challenges due to the destruction of the cotton crop by the boll weevil and pollution from the Savannah River. Once home to over 100 families, the island’s population has dwindled to approximately 15 residents today, a stark reminder of how external factors can impact a close-knit community.
As visitors immerse themselves in the stories told through the photographs, they can also look forward to a public program scheduled for February 26, 2025. This event will feature an engaging conversation between Moutoussamy-Ashe and renowned Gullah scholar Emory Campbell, promising to offer even deeper insights into the culture.
The Whitney Museum has made it a mission to rotate rare collections, and Moutoussamy-Ashe’s work is part of this thoughtful initiative. Her journey into the heart of Daufuskie Island was previously celebrated through a photographic essay published in 1982, titled Daufuskie Island, which includes a forward by the esteemed Alex Haley, known for his impactful work Roots.
The exhibition will continue to run until May 2025, inviting art lovers and culture enthusiasts to explore the profound legacy of the Gullah Geechee community. Longtime Daufuskie resident and activist Yvonne Wilson expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition that Moutoussamy-Ashe’s work brings to her community, demonstrating how art can serve as a powerful tool in honoring the past.
So, whether you’re a local New Yorker or planning a visit to the city, make sure to stop by the Whitney Museum to experience the captivating world of Daufuskie Island through the eyes of Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. It’s not just an exhibition; it’s a vibrant celebration of culture, resilience, and the stories that bind us all.
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