DELITA MARTIN
Artist Meet and Greet Rescheduled to Thursday, June 6, 6-8pm at Nicole Longnecker Gallery because of recent storm.
Due to the recent storm, we have rescheduled the Delita Martin “What the Night Knew” Artist Meet & Greet to Thursday, June 6 from 6-8pm at Nicole Longnecker Gallery, 1440 Greengrass. Dr. The artist will be in attendance. The exhibit continues through Saturday July 6, 2024.
“Delita Martin captures audiences with her powerful imagery,” said gallery owner Nicole Longnecker. “Since we first exhibited her work in 2017, her career has continued an upward trajectory around the world. Her narrative portraits of black women combine historical and spiritual elements that empower the viewer.”
ARTIST STATEMENT “The concept of Spirit World, what I refer to as the ‘Veilscape’ is one that has been embraced by African American women as a powerful tool in their journey towards self-empowerment. The Spirit World or Veilscape is an intangible reality embraced by Black women to nurture their power and potential. It consists of four main elements: duality, freedom from oppression, transformation, and connection to ancestors. Duality is the idea that there are two realms within Spirit World; one that is seen and one that is unseen. This idea has been prevalent among African Americans for centuries as a way to cope with the struggles of racism. In the face of adversity, Black women have long used this duality to create an inner strength and strength of spirit. By embracing both the seen and unseen aspects of life, Black women have found ways to deal with both physical and emotional barriers they have had to face throughout history. I have embraced this idea not only as a key part of my spiritual practice but my artistic practice as well. I believe that this duality allows the women in my work to step into their power in both realms.
“Freedom from oppression is another important aspect of the Veilscape. By embracing this part of their reality, they can free themselves from some of the oppressive systems they have faced throughout history such as racism and sexism.
Transformation is yet another important element of the Veilscape. By entering into this reality, they are able to move beyond the physical limitations imposed upon them by society and tap into their full potential as individuals and offer a different narrative beyond stereotypes. They can explore different possibilities for their lives without worrying about societal expectations or limitations placed upon them because of their race or gender identity. Furthermore, entering into the Veilscape gives Black women an opportunity for self-reflection which can lead them on a journey towards self-discovery
“Lastly, connection to ancestors, through this lens they are able to recognize their place in a larger narrative by connecting with their foremothers who also faced similar struggles.
“Through my embrace of Spirit World as part of her artistic practice It is my goal to provides insight into how Black Womanhood can be used for self-empowerment. These works reinforces the bond amongst women and how they co-exist in the physical world of nature and the spiritual realm. Through the layering of various mediums and symbols I can pull the viewer out of a logical and common world and place them within a space that offers a glimpse into sacred meetings between women in a spiritual realm. The duality of women in my work project the spirit and its connection to the physical world, which reinforces the bond amongst women and how they co- exist in the physical and spiritual realms. By embracing these elements together with creativity and imagination the women in my work are able to bring forth a powerful force within themselves that will propel them forward on their journey towards empowerment regardless of external adversities they may face throughout life.”
ARTIST BIO Delita Martin is an artist based in Huffman, Texas. She received a BFA in drawing from Texas Southern University and an MFA in printmaking from Purdue University. Formerly a member of the fine arts faculty at UA Little Rock in Arkansas, Martin currently works as a full-time artist in her studio, Black Box Press.
Martin’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. “Delita Martin: Calling Down the Spirits” held at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, 2020 was Martin’s first solo museum exhibition. Her work toured the country (2016-17) in the Crystal Bridges Museum exhibition, “State of the Arts: Discovering American Art Now” that included 101 artists from across the United States. In 2015 she was featured in the International Review of African American Art as one of sixteen “African American Artists to Watch” who are gaining national and international recognition.
Permanent Collections (selected): Bradbury Art Museum, C.N. Gorman Museum, Crystal Bridges Museum, David Driskell Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minnesota Museum of American Art, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Petrucci Family Foundation, Studio Museum in Harlem, Thrivent Financial, William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, and the U.S. Embassy, Nouachott, Mauritania. Martin’s work is also represented in numerous private and corporate collections in the United States and aboard.