Charlotte’s Vibrant ‘Dark & Divine’ Art Exhibition Opens

News Summary

Charlotte is set to experience a transformative art exhibition titled ‘Dark & Divine,’ curated by Dasia Hood. This multi-part exhibition focuses on Black figurative art and encourages conversations around body image and cultural significance. Kicking off at the McColl Center from March 6 to May 24, it will showcase the works of local artists, aiming to challenge societal taboos surrounding nudity and the human form. Join the dialogue about self-image and embrace the beauty of the human body through art.

Charlotte’s Art Scene Shines with ‘Dark & Divine’ Exhibition

Charlotte, get ready for a vibrant art experience that is set to stir conversations and inspire creativity! The latest exhibition, “Dark & Divine,” curated by the talented Dasia Hood, is making waves in the local arts community and promises to be a feast for the eyes and soul.

A Journey Through Black Figurative Art

Over the past year, Hood has been a powerhouse in enhancing the art scene in Charlotte. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for elevating Black figurative art, she has curated this remarkable multi-part exhibition with a theme inspired directly by Black bodies. The first part of the exhibition was unveiled during the summer at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, where it featured engaging community workshops and a unique pop-up show. But the excitement doesn’t stop there!

Upcoming McColl Center Exhibit

Mark your calendars! The next chapter of “Dark & Divine” will be hosted at the McColl Center beginning on March 6 and running through May 24. This segment of the exhibition shifts focus to the cultural and spiritual significance of nudity in the African-American diaspora, featuring nude works by seven local artists.

Challenging Societal Norms

This exhibition aims to not only showcase beautiful art but also open doors to discussions about taboos surrounding nudity and the human body, particularly in the Black community. Hood is on a mission to reframe conversations about the human form, advocating for healthier perspectives that challenge the hypersexualization often seen in society. By weaving art and spirituality together, she hopes to instill a sense of reverence for the human body among viewers.

Artistic Roots of Dasia Hood

Hood’s journey into the art world is both inspiring and empowering. With a background in events and hospitality, she has recently established her own communications agency, DH MEC LLC. Despite her previous work as an exotic dancer in Ohio—a path she views as empowering rather than shameful—Hood’s commitment to including diverse representations of art, including pole artists and dancers, has never wavered. This inclusion was highlighted by a recent pop-up event called [red]: Rated R.

Community and Collaboration

Hood started her journey in Charlotte by volunteering at the Visual and Performing Arts Center. This led to opportunities such as modeling for various artists and participating in workshops. Her cultural contributions don’t stop at visual art; she has also self-published her first poetry collection titled “Lovings You: Short Poems”, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

What to Expect from ‘Dark & Divine’

The upcoming exhibition will feature around 40 individual pieces crafted across various mediums, including photography, mixed media, and textiles. Through this collection, many of the works delve into important themes like food and body purity, self-image, body autonomy, and relationships with modesty. It’s a thoughtful approach that aims to foster a more profound understanding of self-image within the Black community.

Gratitude and Future Plans

Hood expresses her gratitude towards community partners who have supported the project, including financial compensation for contributing artists. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she was recently recognized as the 2024 Critics’ Pick for “Best Creative” by Queen City Nerve. The landscape of this project doesn’t stop in Charlotte; Hood has big plans for the future, looking to expand the “Dark & Divine” initiative to other cities and even considering a follow-up exhibition and film project about issues related to the chocolate industry, slated for fall 2027.

Join the Conversation

As “Dark & Divine” gears up to open at the McColl Center, it invites everyone to engage in important dialogues around body image while celebrating art in all its forms. The exhibition is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $10, making it accessible for all to embrace the beauty of the human form and join in the discussions that matter.

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Additional Resources

• Charlotte Observer
• Herald Tribune
• Queen City Nerve
• Wikipedia: Contemporary Art
• Google Search: Charlotte arts scene