Clementine Hunter found joy in the little things—church, Jesus, living on the plantation, and even—picking cotton. It’s quite the antithesis to what one would emote for life on the plantation, but for Hunter, it was all she knew and artfully defined how she would view the world.
A self-taught artist, Hunter (1887 – 1988) would begin painting in her 50’s, depicting scenes from the Melrose plantation in Nathitoches Parish, Louisiana, where she lived and worked—capturing the rhythm of Southern traditions: church, worship, baptisms, “punch on the lawn”, cotton labor, household chores, and even the vibrant “Saturday Nights”. “This was her way of being a historian,” said Lakeem Wilson, Associate Curator at the African American Museum of Dallas. “This is her story.”
Various illustrations of the Louisiana native are now on display at the African American Museum’s Folk Art Gallery under an exhibit called “Sunday Call to Church: The Art of Clementine Hunter” until March 6. The exhibit marks one of the more immersive interactions at the museum, where visitors are able to not only view the art of Hunter, but hear music from the era, and listen to the wit of Clementine in a rare one-to-one interview.
“This exhibit is decades in the making. It was a dream of our founder Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr. to secure such a large collection of Ms. Hunter’s work, and we are thrilled to share this extensive exhibition with the Dallas community and visitors from across the region,” said Lisa Brown-Ross, president and CEO of the African American Museum, Dallas.
“Clementine Hunter painted what she knew – the rituals of community, the spirit of Sunday mornings and the dignity of work,” said Margie. J. Reese, senior programs officer at the African American Museum, Dallas. “Her story reinforces why preserving cultural memory remains central to our mission.”
If art truly imitates life, then Hunter gave existence to her everyday masterpieces. From reimagining “Black Joy”, to artwork of Black cowgirls and even Black Jesus, Hunter’s portrayal of rural life in the South, gives breath to synchronicities in Black dialogue still relevant today. It’s undeniable why Hunter is one of the greatest folk artists of her time—even if it was unintentional, according to her testimony.
Admission to “Sunday Call to Church” is free at the African American Museum of Dallas. The exhibit will be on display in the Museum’s Folk Art Gallery through March 6.
