SANKOFA 23 : The Sankofa Project Exhibition 2020-2023

In fall 2020, Tierney L. Malone began The Sankofa Project at Lawndale Art & Performance Center. Each year, three artists were commissioned to create work examining and responding to the history leading up to our current moment of social unrest and racial reckoning. Beginning with Houston’s communities and stories, this project aims to bring light to events that have been censored or ignored in historical narratives in order to reinforce the racial oppression of Black Americans.

This fall, Lawndale will present SANKOFA 23: The Sankofa Project Exhibition 2020-2023, a culminating group exhibition curated by Malone featuring all nine artists of The Sankofa Project: Rabéa Ballin, Sheila Pree Bright, Tay Butler, Robert Hodge, Ann Johnson, Tierney Malone, David McGee, Jason Moran, and Lovie Olivia. While some artists will present new works, others revisit past artwork made for The Sankofa Project.

“Sankofa” is the Ghanaian word most commonly translated as “one must acknowledge the past in order to move forward.” Thus, The Sankofa Project and culminating exhibition SANKOFA 23 bring together artists and our community to reflect upon the past, reminding us of the power of art to serve not only as the language of humanity, but also its catalyst for change.

This exhibition will be accompanied by a publication (including exhibition documentation, artist statements, and excerpts from collaborating scholars) created by Malone and designer Corey De’Juan Sherrard Jr. SANKOFA 23 will open Saturday, September 16, with gallery hours 11 AM – 5 PM and a reception with the artists and curator from 4 – 6 PM. SANKOFA 23 will be on view through Saturday, December 16, 2023 (forthcoming programs to be announced).