The Unheard: Indy's Response to Injustice
On July 3, the Harrison Center christened the brand new sliding glass doors in the City Gallery, allowing attendees to enjoy a beautiful Summer evening at the same time that they could take in Courtland Blades powerful latest work. His show, called ,”The Unheard: Indy’s Response to Injustice”, depicts scenes from the recent protest activity in our city, serving as a way for the artist and his viewers to process these events and the potent message they deliver. This brave show, conceived of during a prayer vigil at the capitol building earlier this Summer, can serve to expand upon the imperative conversation on race equality in our country.
Prayer for our City, Courtland Blade
To truly appreciate this work, it is important for me to think about the initial impressions I had of Courtland Blade and his Art from years ago when I was first exposed to it. The image that pops into my head is his majestic landscape of the Circle Monument done in various shades of blue and gray. I also remember the stark contrast between this painting of a famous and recognizable landmark and and his beautifully crafted image of the interior of a grocery store with its shiny floors, stark open space and the luminous glow of fluorescent lights. Blade’s urban landscapes are expressive with rich colors and luscious shapes, and they remind us to open our eyes to the scenes in our lives that we might otherwise overlook.
On the Canal (Black Lives Matter), Courtland Blade
When I tap into the understanding I hold of Courtland’s depictions of spaces and non-spaces, it makes the portrayal of the protest scenes all the more poignant and important. When Blade paints a parking garage or an alley or any other “non-space”, he seems to be asking us to pay attention to our surroundings, not to look past or ignore the details in spaces that we might otherwise consider to be mundane. In the same way, the artistic rendering of the scenes of recent protests, of the signage and the people and architecture, is a way of encouraging us not to ignore these events, or look past them, or minimize them. By immortalizing them in oil paint on canvas, the artist has reminded us that we mustn’t forget the powerful lessons and historic importance that these scenes hold for us. As we scramble to find our way back to our comfort zones and the “normal” way of life we have known, we mustn’t forget the courage, strength, emotions and details of these gatherings or lose the message they have delivered to anyone who has seen them.
Courtland says,”The show itself is analytical but it also brings a spotlight on our response and highlights the need for change.” During a time of violence and unrest, this body of work examines positive and negative responses to the expressions of people who have not been heard by speaking in typical channels.
Harrison Center BLM, Courtland Blade
I can’t help but to mention the timeframe in which this work was done. The images were so fresh it makes me think that Courtland must have been painting around the clock, and most of all that he was deeply passionate about creating this exhibit, speaking out intentionally before these events fade from memory and while there is an opportunity to effect change.
I encourage you to put on your mask and stop into the City Gallery at the Harrison Center this month to see and experience Courtland Blade’s very latest work.