Rhode Island Black History art at Providence Place installed to invoke conversation, love

(WJAR) — A new art installation honoring Black history in Rhode Island is up at the Providence Place mall.

The “Dear, Love” installation is located inside the skybridge that connects the Omni Hotel and mall.

Artist Alex Conlon said the work is a “tribute to the heartbeat of Rhode Island Black History.”

“Love is a story and that’s what this is. Each piece is essentially a different page in this love letter,” said Conlon.

QDXA Vision describes itself as a Providence-based brand agency that specializes in impactful design and messaging that fosters community connections.

“I make sure that a lot of the design work and a lot of the stuff that we do is inclusive of Black designers and making sure that designers and BIPOC designers are actually getting paid for work as well,” said Conlon.

Conlon used graphic design, paint, and Artificial Intelligence to create the artwork.

There are four pieces of work.

The “INation of Love” shows Malcolm X’s visit to Brown University in 1961. The “A King arrives in RI” piece depicts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to the First Baptist Church in America on North Main Street in Providence in 1966.

Conlon’s favorite is the “Eye of Providence,” art that honors a young Michael Van Leesten and Cliff Montiero. The piece shows both Providence civil rights leaders walking across the now Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge.

“This piece really meant the most to me. It took the most time to create,” said Conlon. “I created depictions of them with their backs showing and there is a young girl who is ahead of them and what it’s showing is them making sure that her security is fulfilled.”

The final piece is “365 Black Experience in Sound,” which illustrates the journey to Black ownership.

The radio station highlighted is 93.7/The JUICE FM, a new station which claims to be Rhode Island’s first Black-owned radio station. The radio station began operation last Saturday.

Owner Michael “DJ Rukiz” Costa called the work “amazing,” saying he saw himself in the art.

“Seeing this young kid right here, I feel like we can inspire young kids through media and now through art just so they have some sort of hope,” said Costa.

Costa wasn’t alone. Conlon shared a photo of children who stopped in the skybridge to admire the work.

“A group of kids, standing here, breaking down and analyzing this piece, and at that moment I said, ‘That’s it. I’ve won.'”

Kelin Jones was among several people to stop and commend the work Wednesday afternoon.

“This is great artwork. Every piece like explains something,” said Jones. ” So when I see it I just think about you know going to church and just watching the move Malcom X as well.”

Conlon and Costa encourage everyone to stop by and see the work.

“Black History Month doesn’t start or end in February, and it doesn’t start, and it doesn’t end at this installation,” said Conlon.

The easiest way to access the installation is through the South Garage at the mall, on the first floor.

The art installation is available from Feb. 1 to 28.

There are QR codes at the installation to give more context on each piece.

There are also several Black History Month art events happening this month.

If you would like the collaborate with Conlon or bring this installation to your site, reach out to Conlon at [email protected].

EVENTS:

QDXA Vision will be hosting a free open reception from 4:30-7 p.m. on February 7, at the Winter Garden area at the mall to celebrate the launch.

The closing reception will be from 4:30-7 p.m. on February 28.

Providence arts organization Distant Relatives will host its free art installation beginning Feb. 12.

It will take place at Tufts PVD, Rhode Island’s first Black-owned rug tufting studio. It is located at the Hope Artiste Village at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket, Unit #8113.

If you are interested, email [email protected] to schedule a time to visit as they do not take walk-ins.

The Rhode Island Equity Institute also has several events.