"Glory! Glory" exhibit showcases Black artists' perspectives on American flag

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An exhibit titled "Glory! Glory!" is now on display at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago, showcasing the perspectives of Black artists on the American flag. The exhibition, hosted by Pigment International, features works by artists like Candace Hunter, Nnaemeka Ekwelum, Reggie McFly, and others that depict the flag in unconventional ways, such as with missing stars or hanging upside-down, to signify the complex relationship many Black Americans have with the national symbol.

Why it matters

The exhibit aims to provide a platform for Black artists to explore themes of patriotism, protest, and the lived experiences of Black Americans in relation to the American flag, a symbol that has historically been used to both represent and exclude marginalized communities.

The details

The "Glory! Glory!" exhibition includes works from several Black artists, including Candace Hunter, Nnaemeka Ekwelum, Reggie McFly, Paul Branton, Nate Austin, and Robert Lewis Clark. Some of the artworks, like Clark's "44" which is an 11-foot by 8-foot flag made up of newspaper clippings commemorating Barack Obama's presidency, use layered imagery and unconventional flag designs to examine contemporary Black life and the flag's symbolism. The exhibit also features artwork from Chicago's Gary Comer Youth Center and select works from private collections.

• The "Glory! Glory!" exhibit is now on display at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood.
• The exhibit will close on March 20, 2026.

What’s next

On Friday, March 13, the artists whose works are featured in the "Glory! Glory!" exhibit will gather for a special salon talk at the Zhou B Art Center to discuss their perspectives and engage with the community about the symbolism, patriotism, and protest as they relate to the American flag.