Shakira Hunt at the Mezzanine Gallery

Give Me My Flowers: The Series (out-takes)

On view November 1-29, 2024

The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents 2024 Established Artist Fellow Shakira Hunt’s exhibition, “Give Me My Flowers: The Series (out-takes)” on view from November 1-29, 2024. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, November 1 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Through a series of images, artist Shakira Hunt presents “masculinity” through many different lenses. “Give Me My Flowers” challenges the stereotyped idea of masculinity, how it is perceived as being void of emotional sensitivity and vulnerability, and how it is often displayed through a tough exterior. This series embodies creative storytelling, bold and intentional imagery, and subtle connections to create a relatable experience that recognizes and honors black and afro indigenous men, both straight and individuals of the LGBTQ+ community.

In addition to these images, Hunt will present works from her exhibition “Soft Petals”, a body of work exploring the mother wound. Hunt’s use of mixed materials reflects and honors the multifaceted nature of Black women, reclaiming space and agency over their narratives. As the artist reflects on her own upbringing and familial dynamics, she invites viewers to confront their own experiences of the mother wound—her term for the emotional scars inflicted by maternal relationships. Hunt’s exploration of identity, trauma, and joy takes her installation beyond a visual experience to serve as a catalyst for collective healing and self-discovery. Through the process of documentation and adornment, “Soft Petals” affirms that every bloom carries within it the seeds of transformation and renewal.

Hunt’s directorial approach to photography by using community members as models is rich in content and symbolism. She employs unique staging techniques such as crumbled seamless paper to draw together her concepts and compositions. A backdrop might add a layer of texture reminiscent of the tough exterior men typically embody; or, a plot of land, very raw and unfinished – under construction. In contrast with feminine movements and energy, the artist presents her subjects in manners that speak to their individual experience and identity. A variety of florals play throughout the series to create a juxtaposition. A simplistic background, with fabrics and soft movements from the subjects, highlights the feminine side of the male and celebrates, not shames, that duality that exists within us all. Each image honors masculinity and the divine feminine as it exists within.

Give Me My Flowers developed organically as did the artist’s connection to her motivations.  Through this project, Hunt recognized that her interest in black men and the exploration of masculinity, femininity, and the connection to emotional intelligence was tied to the relationship she shared with her father.  Her greater awareness of emotional void, as evidenced in partnership with a cathartic artistic experience, drove her commitment to pursuing the project more intensely.

Shakira Hunt has a background in design, and she draws inspiration from the exploration of new cities, places, nature, textures, and colors that connect her with fellow creatives and communities.  Hunt enjoys engaging with local artists and creative entities to thrive, build, and connect, with an emphasis on creating economic sustainability throughout the black entrepreneurial landscape of Wilmington.

The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

Images in the banner: “Shanice in bloom” (2023), photography, 18”x24”. “Troi and the children” (2023), photography, 18”x24”. “Sharmine and Mia” (2023), photography, 18”x24”.

Mezzanine Gallery Application

The Mezzanine Gallery, located in the Carvel State Office Building in Wilmington, features one-person exhibitions of Delaware artists in disciplines including painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, folk, and media arts.

To be considered for an exhibition, artists may submit a Mezzanine Gallery Application before the annual deadline of March 15.

Individual Artist Fellowship Application

Delaware’s Individual Artist Fellowships recognize artists for their outstanding quality of work and provide monetary awards. Individual Artist Fellows are publicly acknowledged and benefit from the additional exposure to their work. Visual artists who receive Individual Artist Fellowships are also given the opportunity to exhibit in the Mezzanine Gallery.

To be considered for a Fellowship, artists may submit an Individual Artist Fellowship Application before the annual deadline of August 1.

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Hours

Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Photo ID required after 4:30 p.m.

Parking 

On-street and garage parking available

Admission

Free and open to the public.

About the Gallery

The Mezzanine Gallery presents solo exhibitions of work by Delaware artists in disciplines including painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, folk, and media arts.

This opportunity is available to Delaware’s emerging and established visual artists who have won Individual Artist Fellowships, or have been chosen by the Division’s annual Gallery Panel.

Opening Reception

Held the first Friday of the month from 5-7 p.m. Dates are subject to change.

Lori Crawford*

December 6, 2024 – January 8, 2025
Opening Reception: December 6 from 5:00pm-7:00pm