PRIZM 2023
For our 11th edition, Prizm presents its curated Special Projects Section titled Civilization is not Civil, with presentations by select galleries and artists. Civilization is not Civil will explore the irony that civilizations are born of not-so-civil acts. Economic systems, policies, and geopolitics play an integral role in shaping societies that oppress many but generously serve a few.
Our holistic program will include four sections: Prizm Panels, Prizm Film, Prizm Preview, and, of course, our Fair exhibition. Artists will represent global locales including, Barbados, Kenya, Martinique, Portugal, Saint Croix, Saint Martin, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom, and many more.
Left: Greg Bailey
Time, Place, and Us
Painting Oil on Canvas
90×174 inches (triptych-each panel 90″x57″)
2022
Upcoming Events
PRIZM PANELS
Dec. 7 | 12 - 1 pm
TONE is a cultural space in Memphis, Tennessee empowering Black artists and communities, sharing creativity and knowledge across the spectrum of Blackness to elevate Memphis as a global cultural beacon. Join moderator Gabrielle Brooks, Communications + Development Manager (UAC), Anasa Troutman, president of The Big We and Clayborn Temple, Shorin Nicholas, Programming Director (TONE), Breezye Media manager (TONE) as they discuss the renaissance of Black arts and culture currently taking place in Memphis.
Anasa Troutman’s Film Spirit of Memphis and Breezye’s film Beacon of the South, which will both screen at Prizm, highlight the history of the Black experience in Memphis, the work that both organizations are doing to push Memphis forward, and the future of arts and culture in Memphis. The panelists will discuss TONE and The Big We’s vision for preserving the storied history of Activism and Civil Rights in Memphis and designing its future cultural landscape as envisioned by Memphis’ contemporary creative community.
PRIZM PANELS
Dec. 7 | 2 - 3 pm
The Blanchard House Institute combines historical and cultural research, best of education and innovation, economic development, and good governance principles, to create best practices in public-private-philanthropic partnerships for local elected officials and all leaders. In honor of the nation’s semi-quincentennial in 2026 BHI is embarking on a national cultural heritage project, The Black Wall Street Trail and Seminole Maroon Freedom Trail that will restore and preserve 250+ under invested and rural communities across the United States.
Join Jaha Cummings, a former state councilman from Florida and the founder of the Black Wall Street trail, Kamila Prichett, board member of the Blanchard House Institute, and artist Dindga McCannon, who will be the trail ambassador for the project in the 250 cities.
PRIZM PANELS
DEC. 7 | 3 - 4 pm
Performance Art is an interdisciplinary medium with various entry points on observation, context, content, dialogue on culture, history, politics, resistance messaging, figurative and literal translations, and performance as storytelling. A prominent marker in performance art is the human connection. Moderated by Alexis Alleyne-Caputo, the PRIZM Perform panel is comprised of Chovitta Ariza, Sian Morson, Stephanie Melyon Reinette and Tony Seepersad.
PRIZM PANELS
Dec. 8 | 12 - 1 pm
Museo del Canal // Giana De Dier
The Director of Museo del Canal, Panama City, Panama in conversation with Panamian visual artist, Giana De Dier
PRIZM PANELS
DEC. 8 | 4 - 5 PM
According to the latest Art Basel | UBS report the median expenditure on art reached $65,000 in the first quarter of 2023 up by 19% compared to 2021. The majority of this spending was spent on paintings (58%) with works on paper making up the second largest expenditure (13%) how are collectors discovering art? Who are the median high net worth individuals paying for Black Art and who are the women led arts entities trailblazing and leading the pack?” Join Cierra Britton, Daisha Board, and Tanya Weddemire as they explore new paradigms and celebrate Black female gallerists changing the game. moderated by Jewell Sparks.