Y'all Don't Hear Me: The Black Appalachia An Ode to Nikki


Dogwood Arts and University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery


Installation 

On View: March 1, 2024 - April 6, 2024

Y'all Don't Hear Me: The Black Appalachia: An Ode to Nikki was an exhibition that paid tribute to the rich legacy and values of Black Appalachian culture. Featuring native and local Black artists, the show captured the enchanting beauty and lesser-known aspects of the community. Though visual arts formed the core of the exhibition, music, and language were integral components, with Nikki Giovanni's poetry woven throughout the collection and curated playlists for each era.

Mikael Owunna contributed to this showcase with his piece Komosu (Body of the Goddess), from his Infinite Essence photography series, bringing an Afro-futurist perspective to exploring Black identity. The exhibition created an ambient experience, pushing the boundaries of exposure for Black artists and offering the public a deeper understanding of Black Appalachian culture.