The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie has launched "African American Abstractions," a major exhibition featuring the works of James E. Dupree, Femi J. Johnson, and Kenneth J. Lewis. Curated by Janis Purcell, the showcase spans three galleries and explores the intersection of vibrant color, form, and cultural narrative. The exhibition is supported by public programming, including an abstract art workshop and an artists' roundtable discussion.
This exhibition highlights the significant contributions of Black artists to the tradition of abstract art, moving beyond purely aesthetic concerns to address complex themes of race, class, and spirituality. By featuring established figures like Dupree—a long-time Philadelphia artist and activist—alongside Johnson’s "storyscapes," the museum provides a platform for regional artists whose work engages with both international modernism and personal heritage.