A new exhibition titled 'Truth. Memory. Joy. Resistance: Black Expressions in New Mexico' has opened at the Community Gallery at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, featuring 28 Black artists from across the state. Co-curated by local gallery owner Aaron Payne and multidisciplinary artist Jakia Fuller, the show includes works in a wide range of mediums from artists aged 16 to 80, with participants from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Taos. The exhibition runs through the end of February and includes special events such as a poetry reading and panel discussions.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the often-overlooked presence and contributions of Black artists in New Mexico, where only about 3% of the population is Black. By bringing together a diverse group of artists—from emerging talents to established figures like Paula Wilson—the show not only fills a gap in local representation but also activates the Community Gallery, which saw over 10,000 visitors last year after reopening post-pandemic. It serves as a timely celebration for Black History Month and expands the gallery's scope, drawing new audiences from across the region.