How Do I Say Her Name?

Artist Interviews

'How Do I Say Her Name?' a group exhibition organized by Houston-based multidisciplinary artist Ann Johnson. The exhibition features a selection of multidisciplinary work by nine women artists of color; Regina Agu, Rabéa Ballin, Ann Johnson, Lauren Kelley, Rosine Kouamen, Autumn Knight, Lovie Olivia, Kaneem Smith, and Monica Villarreal. The exhibition features a selection of multidisciplinary work by nine women artists of color; The works in this exhibition are made in direct response to the countless number of women, specifically women of color who have been victims of violence but whose stories have been erased from the larger demonstrations and narratives surrounding state violence and the demand for a broader vision of social justice.

“JULY 2015 changed me. For the first time in twenty-six years I was nervous about driving into Waller County. During the thirty minute commute to Prairie View from my house I was constantly telling myself don’t forget to use your blinker when you exit University Drive. You see that was what reportedly happened to Sandra Bland. She was pulled over and three days later was found dead in a Waller County jail” - Ann Johnson

Recently there has been much attention paid to the #blacklivesmatter movement in the form of protests, marches and riots. The largest forms of protest and activism have been in response to the deaths of black males. But what about the women like Rekia Boyd, and Reneisha McBride? What about the mothers of Tamir Rice and Trayvon Martin? Or a mother being arrested for defending her child that was assaulted by a grown man? How many more news stories will we watch of little brown girls being slammed to the ground by law enforcement? So many women are on the front lines of the protests, but rarely are the large protests and marches about women who have suffered the same fate as men with similar circumstances.

How Do I Say Her Name? features a dynamic group of women artists who creatively respond to these issues, as it relates to women of color. Throughout the course of the exhibition, there will be performances and a panel discussion addressing issues related to the #sayhername movement.