Nu Africans exhibition opens at Hammonds House this Spring!

In 2020 Hammonds House Museum is presenting exhibits and installations that examine “Blackness” and how the idea of blackness manifests itself in our collective consciousness. Between the real and the imagined, Maurice Evans and Grace Kisa’s Nu Africans articulates what is bold, black and beautiful. Their multi-media exhibition will open this spring (date forthcoming) at Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.

Nu Africans addresses the notion that Africans of the diaspora, through their individual circumstances, have evolved into their own tribe of Nu Africans. Inspired by the legendary warriors and queens from the African continent, models were styled in elaborate costumes with striking headpieces and crowns, then photographed as both a warrior and a queen. Though the inspiration takes its roots from the continent, these women are from this time, this place, and embody all the experiences that have brought them here.

“Sharing our experiences as Africans on both sides of the Atlantic was the catalyst for Nu Africans,” states artists Maurice Evans and Grace Kisa. “Through the medium of photography, music and video, and in collaboration with 40 women from around the African diaspora, we have created an exhibition which aspires to center the Black woman in her own power.”

“We are excited to present this work,” says Leatrice Ellzy Wright, Executive Director of Hammonds House Museum. “When Grace mentioned that she and Maurice had been working on a joint project, I was intrigued. I wanted to know more. Once I saw the work and understood the narrative that they were engaging, I knew it had to be part of our 2020 season."

Maurice Evans’ creative focus was first realized through the lens of music. Born in Smyrna, TN, his father was a military man but also a gifted drummer and singer in a gospel choir. He introduced Maurice to guitar lessons at the age of 4, and these lessons along with his exposure to the music of Al Green, Chaka Khan and Marvin Gaye, inspired his early creative growth. When his family settled in Georgia, Maurice began to explore his artistic talents in high school as an outlet after his parent’s divorce. His mother, a teacher, supported his creative ability by allowing him to help design her classroom bulletin boards each year. By the time Maurice graduated, he had gained recognition as a talented artist, with the confidence to pursue his passion. In 1986, he was accepted to the Art Institute of Atlanta where he studied Fashion Illustration to advance his painting and drawing skills.

After college, Maurice worked at design firms, but didn’t achieve the artistic freedom he yearned for as an independent artist. In 1994, with the support of his family and friends, he had his first successful exhibition at the juried Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. And at the New York Art Expo, he was introduced to clients and collectors. Since then his work has been featured in numerous galleries and he has received national and international acclaim.

Today, Maurice’s artistic creativity is expressed through a diverse mixture of art and photography, articulating expressions of music, culture, gender, and politics - all of which reflect his limitless potential. He lives by the premise, “Create art for art’s sake,” inspiring viewers and artists alike to pursue their artistic and creative passions.

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Grace Kisa spent her formative years in Kenya, Ethiopia, Botswana, Canada, then McLean, VA before settling in Atlanta, GA. She came to Atlanta to study at The Art Institute of Atlanta, after which she began her pursuit of a career in art.

Working in many different mediums, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, costume and jewelry design, and photography, Grace’s artwork explores the connections between personal, cultural, national, and global perspectives. Her artistic process is a combination of creative play and problem solving, and her work explores ideas including: identity and how it relates to notions of comfort and alienation; migration and how one acculturates to a new environment; and the concept of home set against the context of time and space. Her work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the U.S.

Hammonds House Museum is generously supported by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Fulton County Arts & Culture, and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Hammonds House Museum, located in a beautiful Victorian home in Atlanta’s historic West End, is a unique setting to explore the cultural diversity and legacy of artists of African descent. The museum is the former residence of the late Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, a prominent Atlanta physician and a passionate arts patron. A 501(c)3 organization which opened in 1988, Hammonds House Museum boasts a permanent collection of more than 350 works including art by Romare Bearden, Robert S. Duncanson, Benny Andrews, Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, Hale Woodruff, Amalia Amaki, Radcliffe Bailey and Kojo Griffin. In addition to featuring art from their collection, the museum offers new exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, concerts, poetry readings, arts education programs, and other cultural events throughout the year. For more information, and to find out how you can get involved, visit their website: hammondshouse.org.

MEDIA Contact: Karen Hatchett - karen@hatchettpr.com