Blood Rhythms, Strange Fruit is the latest exhibition from artist Charlotte Riley-Webb that will be on display at the Bessie December 12, 2014 – February 28, 2015 in the museum galleries.The exhibition will feature visual interpretations of Ntozake Shange’s Blood Currents, Blood Rhythms and Blues Stylin’, and various pieces from Nina Simone’s body of work. Poet Ntozake Shange and songstress Nina Simone have been among the most influential contributors to my artistic library for most of my creative life, and from whom I continue to draw inspiration.” said Charlotte. “When immersed in Shange’s Blood Currents, Blood Rhythms and Blues Stylin,’ I am captivated by the depth of artistry through which Ntozake interlaced life and history through contemporized metaphors.” Shange’s poem was the muse for twelve of the twenty-two paintings scheduled for the premiere of this traveling exhibition. The lyrics of Nina Simone’s work bears a unique and little known history worthy of much discussion. Her rendition of Strange Fruit is mirrored in Shange’s poem. Adding to the depth of the exhibition will be the contemporary voice of poet Tzynya Pinchback, who was selected because of her unique artistic style. The visual representations embodied in her poems compliment the totality of this project.

In part, Webb’s paintings are an interpretation of not only the words, but the relationships, accomplishments and resilience mirrored in her own life experiences. The resulting dialogue should prove to be thought provoking for all who choose to engage.