Race Is Not Over

Thornton Dial. History Refused to Die. 2004. Okra stalks and roots, clothing, collaged drawings, tin, wire, steel, Masonite, steel chain, enamel, and spray paint. 102" x 87" x 23". Gift of Souls Grown Deep Foundation from the William S. Arnett Collection, 2014. Image courtesy of the author.

Despite the current national unrest weaving throughout the United States, The Metropolitan Museum of Art continues to move forward with History Refused to Die — an electrifying exhibition that presents 30 works of art made by contemporary African-American artists who have lived and worked within the obscure environment of America’s South. Named after a work made by Thornton Dial, History Refused to Die features assemblage sculptures, quilts and paintings…