Richard Beavers Gallery Presents “Roots and Routes” Group Exhibition

Richard Beavers Gallery Brooklyn presents “Roots and Routes,” a group exhibition featuring the works of Desmond Beach, Leroy Campbell, Lynthia Edwards, Clarence Heyward, Frank Morrison, Charly Palmer, daàPò réo, and Terron Cooper Sorells. The exhibition delves into the historical and contemporary paths that have shaped African American identities, symbolizing routes of survival, empowerment, and community.

“Roots and Routes” draws on the historical experiences of African American travelers, highlighting their resilience and resourcefulness in navigating challenging landscapes. This exhibition is the first group show for the gallery’s Brooklyn location this year, focusing on the journeys and historical significance that honor the strength and endurance of African Americans.

Artists Leroy Campbell and Desmond Beach emphasize the importance of generational identities by honoring those who came before. Campbell’s mixed media piece, “It’s Time to Go,” includes fabric swatches, newspaper clippings, and photographs. He explains, “The photographs are faces of people we don’t know, whose names you’ll never know, but for me, they represent our ancestors who built the bridges and paved the roads to help make yours and mine journey easier.” Beach’s piece, “Reconstruction,” explores the deep roots of African American families and the various metaphorical and literal routes taken through migration, urbanization, and cultural exchange.

The exhibition’s larger theme of travel reflects on how ancestral origins, the Great Migration, and contemporary movements have shaped identities and communities. All participating artists deeply explore concepts of time, familial ties, community, and legacy. They breathe life into histories, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate heritage, connecting past to present and highlighting the ongoing contributions of African American communities to the broader American narrative.