Faith Ringgold discusses her seminal '60s works at Spelman tonight

• Courtesy the Spelman Museum of Art
• Faith Ringgold, American People Series #20: Die, 1967, Oil on canvas, 72 x 144 inches, © Faith Ringgold, 1967

Spelman College’s Museum of Fine Art gets bundled up with the widely celebrated storytelling quilts and other important works from American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s through May 19. Raised in Harlem, Ringgold is most well known for her “story quilts,” painted fabric panels quilted together with text and other elements to create a narrative. This exhibition is Ringgold’s first solo show in Atlanta since 1990. Ringgold will hold an artist lecture and book signing on today at 6:30 p.m. and she's bringing art prizes ... From Ms. Ringgold's Twitter feed:

@abbrownlee @spelmanmuseum I will be at Spelman with bells on and art prizes. Is that fun?
— Faith Ringgold (@FaithRinggold) March 9, 2012

@FaithRinggold @abbrownlee @spelmanmuseum My Haiti print "Where Will All The Children Go When Their World Comes Tumbling Down" is the prize.
— Faith Ringgold (@FaithRinggold) March 14, 2012

According to the museum, "With only a few notable exceptions, Ringgold’s once influential paintings disappeared from view and were omitted from critical, art historical discourse for more than 40 years. Coordinated to coincide with Ringgold’s 80th birthday, the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art exhibition includes approximately 60 works from the landmark series “American People” (1963-1967) and “Black Light” (1967-1971), along with a related mural and political posters."

Museum Director Andrea Barnwell Brownlee spoke in depth with BurnAway in a very interesting Q&A about Ringgold and the exhibit, saying, "during this current era of instant global access, when we seem to value sound bites more, and often seem to appreciate in-depth discussions a bit less, storytelling is a talent that is more vital than ever. As I view the series American People and consider the circumstances that prompted Ringgold to begin creating it in 1963, it is clear that she defies the habit of living one’s life in shorthand. Ringgold’s perspectives on exclusion as well as on race and gender discrimination continue to be relevant. It is perhaps easy to lull ourselves into complacency, point to advancements—such as electing the first African American president—and then act as if our sociocultural missions have been accomplished. However, this series is a visual reminder that there is so much collective work still to be done."

Photos continue after the jump: