The Ely Center of Contemporary Art in New Haven, Connecticut, is hosting an exhibition titled ‘where is the human in this place?’ which reflects on the tragic murder of James Byrd Jr., a Black man killed in Texas in 1998. Curated by Maria Markham, the exhibition seeks to open discussions about the systemic racism and inequities that persist in society.

Artistic Responses to Injustice

The exhibition features works by artists Amy Yoshitsu, Jacob Cullers, Jayden Ashley, and Ode. Each artist approaches the theme of racial injustice from different angles. Jayden Ashley’s piece, for example, uses zoning laws and redlining to highlight the systemic violence against Black communities. His sculptures made from concrete echo the erasures of Black people and their communities, prompting viewers to consider the real-world impacts of these policies.

Amy Yoshitsu’s work, ‘Return and Schedule Self-Interest,’ examines how the tax system perpetuates racial hierarchies. Although the connection to Byrd’s murder may seem distant, Yoshitsu’s piece underscores the economic structures that contribute to societal inequities.

Powerful Imagery and Broader Implications

Jacob Cullers’s ‘The Man’ directly addresses the theme of white male supremacy, depicting a grotesque abstraction that symbolizes the entrenched power structures in the U.S. The imagery is powerful and unsettling, reminding viewers of the violence that such systems can perpetuate.

Ode’s video installation, ‘Travecacceleration,’ expands the conversation beyond the U.S., examining how capitalism affects trans people, particularly in Brazil. The piece highlights how systemic oppression can have deadly consequences, drawing a parallel to the fate of James Byrd Jr.

Through these diverse artistic expressions, the exhibition not only commemorates Byrd’s life but also challenges viewers to confront the ongoing realities of racial and social injustice.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.