Exhibitions

Since the early years of photography, African Americans appeared in front of and behind the camera. In some images, they were the loving focus of the picture. In others, the photographer scarcely recognizes their humanity. This range of images allows us to perceive how African Americans were seen by others, and how they wished to be seen. They do not tell a complete story of the past, but their eloquent shadows provide unique glimpses into the lives of African Americans over the past 160 years. The 113 images in Shadow and Substance include portraits, snapshots and photographs documenting industries, property and events related to the African American experience from the beginning of photography to today.

Presented by the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, and curated by Modupe Labode, Ph.D., History and Public Scholar of African American History at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.