Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina

As its title suggests, “Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina” presents a series of ceramic objects made by African American potters living in the Southern stoneware production hub of Old Edgefield. Dated in the years leading up to the Civil War, the selection of around 50 works offers a new perspective on slavery in the U.S., featuring ceramics made by enslaved individuals like the celebrated poet and potter David Drake. Opening a dialogue on one of America’s most horrific periods in history, the exhibition (open at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from September 9, 2022—February 5, 2023) comes accompanied by audio content, a publication, and scientific research on the field of American art. Drawing a line through history, viewers will see how it has affected and influenced leading contemporary Black artists like Simone Leigh, Theaster Gates, and Woody De Othello through the inclusion of contemporary works.