Minneapolis, MN–In the spirit of Juneteenth, theMinnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG)opens a new art exhibition,Radical Joy!by artistMiko Simmons. The opening reception is Friday June 20, from 6 -8 pmat the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG), 1256 Penn Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN.The event is free and open to the public.
Radical Joy!is an immersive and interactive art exhibition featuring paintings, projections, sound and light to convey the essence of Black joy. Simmons saidabout his exhibition, “Joy is healing, Joy is love, Joy is celebration, Joy is survival, Joy is liberatoryconsciousness and perseverance. Joy is an Act of Resistance!”
Simmonshas deep roots in Minnesota.He is a fourth generation, Twin Cities Rondo based, internationallyrecognized, Multimedia Artist / Composer and Theatrical Projection Designer.“My Art is inspired by my Ancestors, and the liberatory consciousness that was a system of survival through systemic injustices designed to oppress them daily. At the core of my remembrance, there was always celebration in response, where we found joy through every sorrow, and victory through every defeat, another reason to praise, to laugh and dance while inventing new forms of music and art. This was no escape from struggle, but there is a transcendence. Our joy is the mortar holding the bricks of our Resistance together—a living, breathing declaration of ‘We are still here!’” Simmons said.
The museum is closed for the federal Juneteenth holiday on June 19 but opens on June 20, with the opening reception for Radical Joy! Join us for this unique, uplifting, and extraordinary experience that will stimulate the mind, body, and soul.
The exhibition runs June 20 -December 13. The exhibition is funded by a grant to MAAHMG from the Legacy Fund from the Minnesota State Legislature, Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
