John Dowell's photographs in Cotton: The Soft, Dangerous Beauty of the Past

The African American Museum in Philadelphia has 35 large-scale photos on view by John Dowell, in their Cotton: The Soft, Dangerous Beauty of the Past exhibition. An installation and altarpiece are on view as well, illustrating the dichotomy between the beauty of our planet and its link to the horrors of chattel slavery in the U.S.

The exhibition points to the often overlooked history of slavery in the North, specifically in NYC. Dowell’s symbolic use of cotton allows him to communicate ideas, dreams and fantasies with both his ancestors and the viewer. Exhibition is on view through Feb. 24, 2019.

More information can be found here.