Threads of Blackness: A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Blackness in Japan is a two-phase artistic project beginning with three months of immersive travel from June through August 2026, during which I will explore Japan’s four main islands, complete a papermaking residency at the Awagami Factory, and use photography, writing, and cultural engagement to document the historical and contemporary connections between Black American identity and Japanese culture across music, artisan craft, and daily life. Upon returning to Philadelphia in fall 2026, Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery will serve as the hub for a cycle of free public access through May 2027, including a three-month exhibition of large-format prints on handmade washi paper with immersive sound and artifacts, as well as 5–10 lectures, panels, and workshops, tea ceremonies, papermaking demonstrations, origami sessions, and language activities, developed with partners such as the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Japan America Society, and YEAH Philly. By structuring the project as concentrated exploration abroad followed by extended exhibition and programming at home, the work ensures that the cultural exchange circulates outward, offering communities both the depth of lived experience and the accessibility of public engagement.
Learn More: https://ubuntufa.com/