On September 30, a thought-provoking event will unfold at The Atlanta Contemporary, as artist Genevieve Gaignard’s 2022 exhibition catalog, This is America: The Unsettling Contradictions in American Identity, takes center stage in a much-anticipated panel discussion and book signing. The event, scheduled from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, promises to offer fresh perspectives on the multifaceted and often paradoxical nature of American identity, history, and culture.
Hosted by Atlanta Contemporary and moderated by Lauren Jackson Harris of Black Women in Visual Art, the panel will feature Gaignard alongside a distinguished lineup of contributors. Together, they will examine the social and cultural narratives woven into Gaignard’s body of work, which boldly addresses race, gender, and class in the context of America’s complicated past and present.
For Gaignard, an artist whose work blends photography, sculpture, and installation art, the exhibition and accompanying book serve as a powerful exploration of identity—both personal and collective. Through her lens, viewers are invited to reflect on the contradictions inherent in the American experience.
The panel, featuring Ms. Jewels Dodson, Dr. Cheryl Finley, and curator Karen Comer Lowe, will unpack the themes found in the book, which includes essays by some of today’s most respected voices in art history and cultural criticism. Finley, a noted art historian, brings a deep understanding of African American culture, while Dodson’s essay contributes a unique narrative to the discourse on race and identity in America.
Following the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the limited-edition book and have their copies signed by Gaignard and the other panelists. With only 250 copies available, This is America is poised to become a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts of contemporary art.
Described as an essential addition for anyone interested in understanding America’s ongoing cultural evolution, the 76-page publication delves into the contradictions and complexities that define the nation. Organized by curator Karen Comer Lowe, the book offers not only a visual feast of Gaignard’s work but also incisive essays from contributors such as Dr. Courtney R. Baker and Dr. Taryn D. Jordan, each offering their own reflections on America’s tangled identity.
“This event isn’t just about celebrating a book; it’s about sparking a conversation,” says Comer Lowe. “Art can provide a unique lens to better understand who we are as a nation, and Gaignard’s work forces us to confront uncomfortable truths.”
Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is expected to be in high demand.
