(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair State University Galleries announces Case Studies, a new series of exhibitions in the Alexander Kasser Theater Cases initiated by Director Megan C. Austin and Curator Jesse Bandler Firestone.  New and recent works by Damien Davis explore Blackness through shapes and symbols - on view from September 1 to December 9, 2022.

Case Studies 1: Damien Davis - OLD CURRENCIES brings together never before seen and recent works by Damien Davis on loan from Uprise Art that explore Blackness through symbols, shapes, colors, and digital technology. 

Cowrie shells, tobacco leaves, and anatomical shapes appear throughout the exhibition to explore themes of currency, sex, and cultural traditions that connect a wide range of experiences within the African diaspora. In the Blackamoors print series, made exclusively using Adobe Illustrator’s “Ancient” preset color palette, Davis looks at how classifications and nomenclature within digital softwares relate to perceptions of identity and culture.

The exhibition is curated by Jesse Bandler Firestone, curator and exhibition coordinator.

“Our exhibition programming focuses on new and emerging artists whose artistic practice is positioned at the intersection of disciplines. The Case Studies series will offer an extension of our space beyond the walls of our primary gallery and into our neighboring exhibition space in the Alexander Kasser Theater,” says University Galleries Director Megan Austin. “We are excited to launch this series with work by Damien Davis and facilitate dialogues with on and off-campus communities catalyzed by his art.” 

“By repeating and collaging a matrix of forms that relate to various contexts within the African Diaspora, Davis invites us to rethink how Blackness is coded and transmitted across cultures,” says Firestone. “Intentionally avoiding figuration, these works defy the current trend of representation and instead rely on associations, comparisons, and cross cultural analysis to connect a diverse landscape of Black identities.” 

Among the highlights of the exhibition are:

* New sculptural works on view for the first time.

* Blackamoors, 2022, depicts a range of shapes, colors, and forms in various configurations that speak to nuance relationships within and perceptions of Blackness.

On View: Please visit the Kasser Theater website for up to date information regarding hours. 

Opening Events - Thursday, September 22. Case Studies: Damien Davis - OLD CURRENCIES Opening Reception from 4:00pm – 5:30pm at the Alexander Kasser Theater

Nothing Under Heaven by Joseph Liatela Opening Reception - Live performance of To Move Is To Remember from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the George Segal Gallery 

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The Montclair State University Galleries brings together ideas, perspectives, and dialogues to foster curiosity and shared understandings through art. The University Galleries presents diverse and inclusive exhibitions and programs creating connections that unite the campus experience with local and global communities. All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

This exhibition is made possible, in part, by funds from the McMullen Family Foundation, the College of the Arts, and private contributions.

IMAGE: Oversight, 2022. CNC milled birch, laser-cut acrylic, and stainless steel hardware. 17.75 in. x 18.75 in. x 2 in. Courtesy of Uprise Art @Uprisenyc