OZ Arts Presents “May I Be Brave Enough to Speak My Truth”

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Shabazz Larkin

The exhibit will be open from February 1 to March 21, with a special reception for Shabazz Larkin on February 8 at 6:00 pm. To make an appointment to see this exhibit, contact Manager of Artistic Programming Daniel Jones at daniel@ozartsnashville.org.

An extension of Shabazz Larkin’s circulated collection from The Museum of Presence, “May I Be Brave Enough to Speak My Truth” explores the human body as a canvas for protest and storytelling. Central to the exhibition are woven blankets depicting figures in mutual support, a poignant representation of our ancestral bonds and future legacies. A particularly striking aspect of this collection is the inclusion of three pieces featuring Black individuals with mouths open in what could be screams or songs. This powerful imagery challenges perceptions of Black pain and expression, underscoring the complexity and fragility surrounding these expressions. These works beautifully encapsulate the essence of Black culture, where pain, hurt, and conflict are often transformed into expressions of beauty and resilience. Echoing the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, the exhibition subtly addresses themes of resistance and global unrest, while integrating elements of hip-hop culture to reflect on historical and contemporary struggles.