Weems exhibit opens in Richmond

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond will be hosting an exhibit of Carrie Mae Weems’ photography, titled “To Be Continued,” through March 19.

Carrie Mae Weems is an internationally established photographer and artist from Portland, Oregon. Her pictures, most black and white, bring the lifeless exhibit hall to life. The white walls are held up by a grey, cement-colored floor with the only decoration being a lone wooden bench.

Despite the lack of color on the walls or in the pictures, the hall seems to be alive and breathing. The pictures scream at passersby about race, gender, sadness and happiness.

The exhibit, Weems’ “Kitchen Table Series,” is a well-known domestic drama which incorporates text with the photographs.

In contrast with the “Kitchen Table Series” is “May Days Long Forgotten.” It takes up one whole wall and features lots of color in the form of video projection and music.

Among a slew of awards dating back to 1981, Weems’ most recent are the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome, and the Distinguished Photographers Award from Women in Photography International.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. The Visual Arts Center of Richmond is located at 1812 W. Main St.