UPRISING VIII


    UPRISING VIII: Vivid Motion, Living Dreams

    On view February 7-28, 2025 in Groot Gallery

    Vivid Motion, Living Dreams is an invitation into the heart of Black passion, where resilience and imagination converge to shape living vibrant dreams. Featuring visual art, poetry, and performance created by St. Olaf students and recent graduates, this exhibition explores the transformative power of dreams born from struggle and triumph, fueled by the unyielding spirit of those who have faced centuries of adversity. 

    In this exhibition, hardship is transformed into beauty through color, dynamic forms, and evocative imagery, capturing the flow of creativity that can arise from the Black experience. Each piece invites you to witness a living dream in motion—an expression of identity, culture, and the power of imagination. The dreams driving each artist’s journey are crafted through the lens of Blackness and fueled by a palpable sense of truth.

    Opening Reception and Dance Party

    Friday, February 14, 7-9 p.m.
    Boogie down with friends this Valentine’s Day! This celebration marks the opening of Techniques for Ecstasy and UPRISING VIII: Vivid Motion, Living Dreams. Featuring St. Olaf students DJ Maggots, co-presented with St. Olaf student organizations UPRISING, Marlys Boone House, and the Cultural Union for Black Expression (C.U.B.E.).

    Acknowledgements

    UPRISING VIII: Vivid Motion, Living Dreams is curated by Jan-Rose Davis ’25, Ariel Edwards ’26, Bassaa Tufaa ’25, and Queenie Wynter ’25 with curatorial mentorship from Minneapolis artist Alexandra Beaumont.

    Press

    Northfield News, February 20, 2025: “St. Olaf showcases Black art for ‘UPRISING VIII'”

    St. Olaf Messenger, February 26, 2025: “Opening reception for ‘Techniques for Ecstasy’ and ‘UPRISING VIII: Vivid Motion, Living Dreams’ a stunning showcase of community, dance, and Black expression”

    History

    Founded in 2018 by Shaquille Brown ’19, this student-curated exhibition series creates space for marginalized Black voices on campus and fosters community interactions among students, faculty, and staff.