POWER TO THE PEOPLE

In 1970, an editorial in the weekly The Black Panther, published by the Black Panther Party, stated that the paper was established to “present factual, reliable information to the people.” Artist Emory Douglas, Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, created the iconic political imagery that illustrated the newspaper and other party ephemera. In Emory Douglas: Black Panther, which exhibits about 165 posters, newspapers, and prints dating from 1967 to 1976, it is evident how Douglas (credited for giving the BPP a “militant-chic” look) took advantage of inexpensive printing technologies—including photostat machines, press type, various textures, and patterns—to get the word out, creating simple illustrations that made a big impact. Opening day also includes a discussion with Douglas and an introduction by artist and activist Rigo 23.

July 23-Oct. 18, 2009