Voices in Print: New Jersey Black Women Printmakers Shaping the American Narrative

Morven presents an exhibition of powerful prints by Black women artists with a connection to New Jersey. Voices in Print will be the inaugural exhibition in Morven’s Stockton Education Center. Artists include Emma Amos (1937-2020), Camille Billops (1933-2019), Vivian E. Browne (1929-1993), Nanette Carter (b. 1954), Nefertiti Goodman (b. 1949), Gladys Barker Grauer (1923-2019), Diane Victoria Horn (b. 1945), Carmen Cartiness Johnson (b. 1954), Nell Painter (b. 1942), Sondra Perry (b. 1986), Janet Taylor Pickett (b. 1948), Mickalene Thomas (b. 1971), Nette Forné Thomas, and Bisa Washington (b. 1952).

Curated by Judith K. Brodsky and Rhinold L. Ponder, Voices in Print joins a robust group of exhibitions and programs throughout Princeton under the umbrella of Re-Visioning America: 1776–2026, a collaboration with Princeton University Art Museum and Arts Council of Princeton to commemorate America’s 250th with narratives highlighting the nation’s diversity and showcasing the work of women artists of color.

“This magnificent collaboration was inspired by the Princeton University Art Museum's first exhibition of work by Black artists, Fragments of American Life, mounted in 1976, which included only one woman artist," said co-curator Rhinold Ponder. “We decided to showcase women artists of color to reveal how the nation has moved forward toward diversity and recognition of formerly excluded artists in the cultural mainstream.”

“These artists use printmaking to create multiple copies of their work, enabling their stories and perspectives, which express the vibrant culture of New Jersey’s diverse communities, to reach far and wide. Echoing how film and video spread ideas, prints bypass gallery walls to ignite conversations. Printmaking ensures that these vital narratives and artistic voices reach every corner of the state and beyond, extending far beyond the studio walls,” said Brodsky.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with other Princeton institutions on Re-Visioning America. Judy and Rhinold have curated a powerful exhibition that supports our mission of celebrating NJ's cultural heritage," says Elizabeth Allan, Morven's Deputy Director & Curator.