Black Women and Clay

The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art presents Black Women and Clay, an exhibition highlighting the remarkable yet often overlooked contributions of Black female ceramic artists in Chicago. Honoring pioneers like Marva Lee Pitchford-Jolly and Eselean Goree Henderson while celebrating contemporary voices, the show traces connections to African ceramic traditions and global masters such as Ladi Kwali and Magdalene Odundo.

Despite making up 14% of the U.S. population, Black artists account for less than 0.5% of museum acquisitions, a disparity this exhibition seeks to address. The featured artists confront systemic barriers – including racism and limited access to studios – while creating work rooted in identity, community, and social justice.