For the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Justice at the University of Memphis, imagining a more equitable future is work that extends beyond research and public policy. It includes exploring social justice issues and the dream of equality through art.
On Oct. 29, the institute, founded in 1996, brought its weeklong “Embracing Firestorms, Envisioning Futures” art competition and exhibition to a close with a reception celebrating 11 Memphis-area artists whose work was displayed in the Dr. Ralph Faudree Exhibition Hall at the university.
The competition, now in its third year, honors Frances Dancy Hooks, an educator, arts patron and wife of civil rights leader Benjamin L. Hooks.
This year’s winner, photographer D’Angelo Connell, manifested the competition’s theme through two photographs rooted in solidarity and remembrance.
His photograph “Still Wrapped in Hope” depicts two young people draped in a Palestinian flag as they face each other. The second, “What the Fire Could Not Take,” features a fellow photographer identified as Connell’s friend Reggie, who was killed when a driver struck his vehicle while being pursued by Memphis police.
Connell had never entered a photography competition or exhibited his work before but said the Hooks Institute’s mission inspired him to participate.
“This was an opportunity to show my work. I had never submitted anything,” he said. “I liked the cause and what it is about and these couple of pieces I thought told the story of what this institution is about.”
Amy King Ruggaber, the institute’s assistant director, said the exhibition’s theme emerged from her reflections on the uncertainty in the country.
“No matter your politics, background or your experience,” Ruggaber said, “this is a challenging time.”
Ruggaber described the image that came to mind as a destructive wildfire that also prompted contemplation on what could follow.
“The idea of this exhibition is not asking people to ignore the challenges of today,” she said. “It’s asking them to really sit with them and still imagine tomorrow’s possibilities.”
Contest submissions included acrylic painting, ceramics, photography, screen printing and mixed media, with each artist offering an interpretation of the theme.
“This program was developed to acknowledge the importance and the impact of artists in the war for social change,” Ruggaber said. “We purposely keep the requirements to access the competition low so there are fewer barriers to participation than entering many other art competitions.”
There is no entry fee to compete. Entrants are only required to submit their art, describe themselves as artists, and explain the artwork and its connection to the theme.
The selection committee included representatives from the UrbanArt Commission, the University of Memphis Department of Art and Design, Dixon Gallery & Gardens and the City of Memphis Office of Cultural and Creative Economy, which sponsored this year’s event. Artist Lurlynn Franklin and arts patron Dr. Linda Tharp also served on the committee.
For artists building their careers, the benefits of participating can extend beyond the exhibition, according to Jaimie Monger, who works under the moniker Yea That Artist and was among the exhibiting artists. The University of Memphis graduate first participated in the competition last year and credits the experience with helping her gain significant exposure.
“My art career didn’t really take off until I entered my work here,” Monger said. “This was one of the first established institutions I could put on my resume. That opened a lot of opportunities for me. I was able to do RiverArtsFest. I started doing public art with the UrbanArt Commission and I got several commissions from this.”
Cellist Tamar Love was the featured musical artist for the closing event, performing classical compositions and familiar popular tunes.
Love, who plays with the rock band Mama Honey, appeared alongside 20-time Grammy-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma during his May visit to Memphis. She described her music as therapeutic.
“As I was exploring my own healing, I wanted to find a way to use my cello to expand that and to share with other people,” Love said. “So, I basically accompany myself and build a world where you sort of escape and breathe and live into.”
In addition to art by Connell and Monger, the exhibition featured works by Isabella Drenzek, Melody Gordon, Richard Beckwith, Bryant Walker, D’Lindo Artistry, Mr. Suit & Tiee, Katrina Leggett, Joshua Tyler and D.Weaver, the 2024 award winner.
The annual competition is open to visual artists and begins accepting submissions in the spring.
