Show Inspired by ‘Black Panther’ Opening at Jones Museum

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Paul R. Jones Museum will feature a new exhibition, “BAM! Black Panther and the Black Arts Movement in the Paul R. Jones Collection,” beginning Friday, July 6.

The exhibition, curated by Emily Bibb and Dr. Wendy Castenell, UA assistant professor of art and art history, was inspired by the recent blockbuster “Black Panther.”

“The proudly African aesthetics of ‘Black Panther,’ from the costuming to the sets, were inspired by cultures throughout the continent,” Bibb said. “Those same cultures and their aesthetics influenced American and diasporic artists looking to express black power from the 1960s and 1970s and into the present day.”

Bibb and Castenell brought together works from the museum’s collection that share themes with the film. The exhibition will display 30 works, including sculptures in wood and stone as well as photographs. The pieces will include those from the museum’s collection of African cultural objects, reminiscent of the traditional pieces in Wakanda, as well as pieces from the 1960s and 1970s Black Arts Movement. Artists include David Driskell, Romare Bearden and Emma Amos.

The exhibition is open through Aug. 31.  An opening will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, July 6, at the museum. Both are free and open to the public.

The Paul R. Jones Museum is at 2308 Sixth St. in downtown Tuscaloosa. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and the first Friday of every month from noon to 8 p.m.