Group Art Show at Goodman South Madison Library Calls for the Re-humanization of Black Men

MADISON, WI -- The Bubbler at Madison Public Library welcomes community members to experience a new group art show opening at Goodman South Madison Library on Monday, November 18. The I AM A Man: The Re-humanization of Black Men exhibition is curated by painter and mixed media artist Sharon Bjyrd, and will feature work from five additional visual artists, including:

• Illustrator and painter, Jerry Jordan
• Painter and activist, DaRen Morris
• Watercolor painter, Alice Traore
• Painter and muralist, The Artist
• Studio artist and pottery instructor, Shandra Bjyrd

The exhibit draws from the iconic “I AM A Man” slogan, which emerged during the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers' strike during the Civil Rights Movement–a protest against the dangerous and degrading conditions Black workers endured. While much of Sharon’s art practice to date has centered on the beauty and dignity of Black women, a visit to the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial at the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis shifted her perspective.

Sharon says she became acutely aware of the stark difference in how Black men face life-altering and, too often, life-ending consequences of racial macro-aggression. This realization, as the daughter, sister, aunt, and mother to great Black men, propelled her to use her art to re-humanize them. Through this curated selection of works, she hopes to spark a conversation about the intrinsic worth of Black men within the family, community, and society.

"This is a celebration of their strength, their resilience, and their joy—a tribute to the men who came before and those who are shaping our future,” said Bjyrd. “This is for the Black men in my life and all those who deserve to be seen and honored for who they are: fully human, fully worthy.”

The Bubbler at Madison Public Library put out a call for exhibitions in January 2024, and received more than 65 responses. After a juried selection process, this show was one of those selected to appear as part of the library’s exhibition series. Trent Miller, Head Bubblerarian for Madison Public Library, said he hopes this exhibition generates important conversations and encourages people to learn more about the history linked to its inspiration.

“I love how this exhibition uses the iconic ‘I AM A Man’ slogan to connect past stories, present realities, and future hopes. All of the artists involved brought their unique and personal perspectives to this important show that every Madisonian should take the time to experience,” said Miller.

The exhibition will run from November 18 - February 28, and will include three events, where attendees will be invited to engage with the themes of the work in  intentional ways. During each event, there will be community conversations, comments from the exhibiting artists, and an opportunity to listen to specially selected playlists chosen by each artist to accompany their work.

Community Events:

• December 5, 6-7:30pm | Goodman South Madison Library
• January 18, 1-4pm | Goodman South Madison Library
• February 20, 6-7:30pm |Goodman South Madison Library

No registration is required.

Several additional Bubbler partners are returning to help amplify this exhibition during the events and beyond, so expect to also interact with:

• Performances from a play that debuted earlier this year at Broom Street Theater written by Madison-based poet, essayist and social artist Charles Payne called Da Classroom Ain't Enuf
• A recent mural project called We Wish You Knew, which was created by students at the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) in Dane County, as part of the Bubbler’s Making Justice program. Making Justice is a community-based learning program for at-risk and court-involved teens that includes weekly workshops and artist-in-residence opportunities. The We Wish You Knew mural combines the students’ wishes for themselves with what they wish people knew about them. Their wishes were handwritten in the background, as a reminder to the viewer to listen to their personal narratives.
• Printmaking activities with Pinney Library Artist-in-Residence Phil Hassett, who will connect the original posters and slogan for the 1968 I AM A Man strike to new posters that support and encourage local Black men. Event attendees can print posters with new slogans that say, “Black Man You Are Loved”, “Black Man You Are Valued”, and more.

Learn more about the exhibition and read full artist bios at madisonbubbler.org/exhibitions.

Bubbler exhibitions are supported by Dane Arts and Friends of the Madison Public Library.

About the Bubbler at Madison Public Library

The Bubbler’s hands-on workshops, performances, and events introduce participants to a variety of local experts who share their talent and passion for art, design, and maker culture.  For more information, visit madisonbubbler.org, Madison Bubbler on Facebook, or @madisonbubbler on Instagram.

About Madison Public Library

Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for nearly 150 years.  Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org, or @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.