The Coleman Center for the Arts is pleased to present Throne, an exhibition of new works by Birmingham artist Darius Hill from Saturday, July 22 to Friday, September 1, 2017. Throne includes Hill’s socially-engaged sculpture and title work Throne (2017) and Mother (2017). Both continue Hill’s aesthetic and conceptual investigation of assemblage, found materials, and African American iconography of the 1970s and 1980s. Visitors are encouraged to take a seat; in doing so they activate the gallery space and work. Photography and sharing on social media are encouraged.
Throne (2017) is a sculpture in the form of a ceremonial chair. Its surface is seared; blackened slats cross and intersect making its legs, rail, rests, and sides. Weathered and worn bands mark chevrons – commonly understood as an indication of rank – at the chair’s arms, body and back. At its center is an Afro Hair Pick black power fist.
Throne (2017) echos traditions of chieftainship. From the Golden Stool of the Ashanti people to Black Panther Huey P. Newton’s Peacock chair, the sitter is elevated and imbued with power. Thrones illustrate the spiritual tenancy objects take on when we invest trust, faith, and confidence in people and positions. Still where a royal or divine throne is exclusive, distancing its occupant from their subjects, Hill’s work solicits everyone, all folks as incumbent. Moreover Hill encourages visitors to take out their smartphones, document, and share. In doing so they link themselves, Hill, and Throne to legacies of power, self-possession, and portraiture.
Most notably Throne (2017) was occupied by co-directors emeritus Shana Berger and Nathan Purath as part of the Coleman Center for the Art’s Throne and Thank You Potluck on Saturday, July 22. Berger and Purath joined the Coleman Center family in the early 2000s, driving the organization with new artistic rigor. They brought their distinct notions of social practice and arts-centered activism to Sumter County communities; during their tenure Berger and Purath developed numerous arts education programs and exhibitions, expanded the Coleman Center’s visiting artists series, all while advocating for the organization and Black Belt region.
With Throne, Darius Hill continues his ongoing relationship with Sumter County; he has taught at several Coleman Center summer camps and had a solo exhibition in 2012. Hill is Chair of the Visual Arts Department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. He holds a BFA in printmaking from the Atlanta College of Art and a MFA in studio from the University of Alabama. He is an exhibiting artist, participating in shows throughout the southeast.
The Asanté believed that the unoccupied throne should be left ready so that souls passing by may relax. Throne will be on display in the Altman Riddick Gallery through Friday, September 1, 2017.
Support for this program was provided by the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Educational Foundation of America, National Performance Network, Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and the generous contributions of our individual supporters.