“Weaving Legacies - Homage to the Women of the African Diaspora” is designed to honor the rich heritage and enduring legacy of basket weaving within the African Diaspora. This exhibition draws inspiration from the personal history of the artist’s mother and her sisters, who, during their childhood in Belize, wove baskets and other items to support their family financially. This traditional craft seeks to celebrate and elevate the stories of women from across the Diaspora, highlighting their resilience, creativity, and invaluable contributions to their families and communities.
The exhibition will feature a curated collection of baskets and other sculptural forms woven from diverse materials like metal, rope, raffia, paper, and upcycled materials, blending traditional and contemporary techniques. It aims to provide a platform for the artist to showcase new works inspired by traditional African weaving traditions, fostering innovation and artistic expression. In addition to displaying these artistic creations, the exhibition will offer interactive workshops and demonstrations, inviting the community to engage directly with the artistry of weaving and working with unconventional materials.
Smith notes, “As an artist, my vision is rooted in the intersection of cultural legacy, personal history, and the transformative power of traditional artistry. In Weaving Legacy, I will create a compelling narrative through the medium of basket weaving and sculptural forms, paying homage to my mother and her sisters' childhood in Belize. This exhibition honors their resilience and ingenuity in using basket weaving to support their family. It situates their labor within the broader context of the African Diaspora. By elevating this traditional craft to a form of contemporary artistic expression, I seek to bridge past and present, showcasing the timeless beauty and significance of woven art.”
Black women work hard, and their labor is often unnoticed or underappreciated. Smith adds, “I want to capture the raw energy, bold expression and powerful outcry that lives deep within Black women—and silenced by trepidation. The interwoven forms and intricate patterns of my baskets convey both strength and resilience and invites viewers to feel the intensity and passion behind a collective voice demanding to be heard.”
Weaving Legacies is not just an art exhibition but a tribute to the resilience and creativity of women of color whose labors have shaped the greater cultural landscape. It is an invitation to reflect on their histories and celebrate the beauty and significance of the traditional artistries—preserved to inspire and empower future generations of women.