Not Just Black and White is a powerful collection of prints, illustrations, and sculptures that delve into the experiences of an alternative Black person traversing the complexities of growing up in the rural Carolinas. This exhibition reflects a journey through identity, spirituality, and resilience in the face of adversity and prejudice. It captures the layered and nuanced nature of Black identity, particularly in spaces that may feel disconnected from mainstream narratives.

The works in this exhibition serve as intimate depictions of the adolescence of Jalen Williams, where he confronted the challenges of being an outsider within both his community and the broader cultural landscape. Through deliberate mark-making, concentrated etching, and the precision of sculpture, Williams aims to communicate the deep emotional and psychological impact of these experiences. Each piece is an exploration of the contradictions and harmonies that have shaped him—of familial interactions, struggles for self-definition, and the strength of counterculture.

Within this exhibition, Jalen Williams invites the viewer to look beyond binary notions of identity, to see the spectrum of Blackness that exists in rural spaces, and to engage with the stories of resistance, connection, and transformation that define his personal narrative. Not Just Black and White is not only a reflection on his upbringing, but a broader understanding on how we all navigate the intersections of race, identity, and place.

More About Jalen M.M. Williams 

Jalen Martise Micquiel Williams (b. 2004) is a multidisciplinary North Carolina based artist that predominantly focuses on printmaking and illustration. Within his work, Jalen Williams acutely observes the concepts of expression, surrealism, and counterculture. With the applied usage of various mediums and methods, Williams pushes to gain self-reflection and introspection throughout his work as a unique Black individual. In obtaining a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Drawing and Printmaking, Williams impels his studies by expanding upon unique identities, stories, and voices of other individuals in his works. In his compositions, Williams prompts viewers to have a sense of reflection and understanding to the individuals around them.

@Marty_Micq