Artist Bria Edwards Reclaims Black Cowboy Culture in New Exhibition

Multidisciplinary artist's solo show highlights the rich history of Black equestrian traditions in America.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:07am

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Multidisciplinary artist Bria Edwards is showcasing a powerful exhibition, 'What We Do, We've Always Done', at the Julio Fine Arts Gallery at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. The exhibition reclaims the often overlooked history of Black cowboy and equestrian culture in America, challenging conventional perceptions through Edwards' textured paintings inspired by candid interviews with Black riders.

Why it matters

For decades, depictions of American leisure activities like horseback riding have largely excluded Black experiences. Edwards' work aims to acknowledge a longstanding tradition, from enslaved people forced into skilled horsemanship on plantations to contemporary equestrians creating space for themselves in a cultural landscape that has often marginalized their stories.

The details

Edwards utilizes 'heavy body paints, sawdust, and pumice gel' to create textured canvases that bring her subjects to life, with some pieces incorporating embroidery and rhinestones as subtle nods to Black expressive culture. The exhibition's title, 'What We Do, We've Always Done', came from a conversation with cowboy Ray Lockamy and encapsulates the enduring nature of this tradition and the resilience of the communities who have preserved it.

  • The exhibition, 'What We Do, We've Always Done', was on view at the Julio Fine Arts Gallery at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore until March 27, 2026.

The players

Bria Edwards

A multidisciplinary artist whose solo exhibition, 'What We Do, We've Always Done', is reclaiming the rich history of Black cowboy and equestrian culture in America.

Ray Lockamy

A cowboy whose statement, 'What we do, we've always done', inspired the title of Edwards' exhibition.

Dr. Lauren Davidson

An art consultant from Museum Nectar Art Consultancy who notes that Edwards' work is about acknowledging a longstanding tradition of Black riders, from enslaved people to contemporary equestrians.

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What they’re saying

“What we do, we've always done.”

— Ray Lockamy, Cowboy

“This isn't simply about showcasing a pastime; it's about acknowledging a longstanding tradition.”

— Dr. Lauren Davidson, Museum Nectar Art Consultancy

The takeaway

Bria Edwards' exhibition 'What We Do, We've Always Done' is a powerful reclamation of the rich history and tradition of Black cowboy and equestrian culture in America, challenging long-held assumptions and bringing these overlooked narratives to the forefront.