News Summary
The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 with significant exhibitions showcasing local and global art perspectives. Two highlight exhibitions include David Antonio Cruz’s installation ‘hauntme’ and Joshua Parks’ photography collection ‘Born in We: African Descendants of the Atlantic World’, open until July 26, 2025. The institute, dedicated to free admission and community engagement, honors its legacy of supporting emerging artists and encourages vital cultural dialogues through contemporary art.
Charleston, SC – The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is poised to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, with a series of exhibitions that reflect both local and global artistic perspectives. Originally established as the Halsey Gallery at the College of Charleston, the institute honors William Halsey, a renowned Charleston abstract painter and committed art professor.
Since its inception, the Halsey Institute has undergone significant evolution. In 2005, it was renamed to its current designation to embody a wider curatorial mission that extends beyond a traditional campus gallery. Four years later, in 2009, the Halsey moved to its current location within the Marion and Wayland H. Cato Jr. Center for the Arts on the College of Charleston campus, allowing for an expanded exhibition space.
Highlighting the anniversary celebrations are two major exhibitions: David Antonio Cruz’s installation titled “hauntme” and Joshua Parks’ photography collection “Born in We: African Descendants of the Atlantic World“. Both exhibits will be displayed until July 26, 2025.
David Antonio Cruz’s Installation
Cruz’s work features large-scale paintings that delve into themes of portraiture and erasure. The installation is enhanced with twinkling chandeliers and dark wallpaper designed by Cruz, inspired by photographs from Charleston. This visually striking environment aims to evoke contemplation about cultural legacies and identities.
Joshua Parks’ Photography Collection
Adjacent to Cruz’s installation is Parks’ collection, which captures poignant images taken over a five-year period in various locations, including the Bahamas, Senegal, Gambia, Cuba, and the South Carolina Lowcountry. His work draws inspiration from family photo albums, aiming to create a visual connection among African descendants across diverse cultures and geographies.
Commitment to Accessibility and Engagement
The Halsey Institute is dedicated to maintaining free admission for all visitors, as well as providing immersive public programs and exhibitions that address contemporary issues such as race and identity. This commitment allows a broad audience to engage with significant cultural dialogues through the lens of modern art.
Legacy of Leadership
The Halsey Institute has a rich history of supporting emerging and overlooked artists. Under the former director Mark Sloan, who served from 1994 to 2020, the institute organized nearly 250 exhibitions, often featuring first solo exhibitions for many artists. The current interim director, Kaylee Lass, began her journey at the institute as a volunteer in 2014, continuing the mission of fostering artistic talent and community engagement.
Unique Artistic Space in South Carolina
As a key contemporary art space in South Carolina, the Halsey Institute emphasizes adventurous and thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge conventional boundaries. The artwork presented often initiates discussions around important cultural narratives and community experiences, making it a significant venue for both local and international art.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Halsey Institute 40th Anniversary
- Charleston City Paper: Black Masking and Beadwork
- Charlotte Magazine: Exhibits at Halsey Institute
- Post and Courier: Michaela Pilar Brown
- Hyperallergic: La Historia Recordada
- Wikipedia: Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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