WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Winston-Salem State University’s annual Diggs Gallery is now open.
This year it features a powerful new exhibit which takes a look at the stereotypes and prejudices associated with black males and how they're portrayed in the media.
"The 'Do You See Me' Exhibition features nine emerging artists from all over the United States and Canada that are dismantling stereotypes associated with black male identity,” said Diggs Gallery Director Endia Beal. “These artists are talking about the issues that are happening in our community, that are happening in our nation."
One of the larger pieces is a portrait of Mike Brown's mother, Lesley. Brown was shot and killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri.
"She's saying he was, he was loving, he was dedicated, he was proud, he was robbed of his life, he was my best friend, talking about the pain and the tragedy of losing a son and really talking about that human experience of pain,” said Beal.
Pain is just one of the themes seen throughout the gallery. The ideas of love, pride and family are also represented.
"As the director of the gallery, I wanted to create exhibitions that represented experiences that my students are going through right now."
Beal said she wants students and the community to learn from the works collected in the gallery.
“These young emerging artists from all over the United States are talking about experiences that are happening right here in North Carolina, that are happening in Chicago, all over the United States, and as an audience member, you are bringing value and life to the work."
The exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday. It runs through March 1 and is open to the public.
The Diggs Gallery has one of the largest collections of African and African-American art in the Southeast.