DIVINE WOMAN
The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts is pleased to exhibit Divine Woman curated by Selena "Noir" Jackson. This exhibition will open on Friday, March 8th, and be on display though May 10th.
“Divine Woman is a captivating exploration into the sacred tapestry of Black womanhood. Through the lens of Reginald Cunningham, this exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the question: "What does it mean to be a beautiful Black woman?" Cunningham began this series as a response to seeing Black women being denigrated for their aesthetic choices while women are celebrated for appropriating this aesthetic. Each portrait within this collection serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of Black womanhood and a celebration of the diverse expressions of beauty that defy categorization. From bold hairstyles to striking fashion statements his subjects radiate with an undeniable beauty that transcends societal constructs and embraces the inherent richness of their identity and individuality. This exhibition is a space where we take the time to appreciate the multifacetedness of Black Womanhood. Their hoop earring, braids, and gold jewelry are more than just a means of following trends on social media; they are part of a collective experience that is unique to Black Women and cannot be replicated or consumed.” - Selena “Noir” Jackson
Reginald Cunningham, known professionally as Reggie Noble, is a creative and photographer, and the visionary behind the "Pure Black" brand. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and dual Master's degrees in Digital & Multimedia Design and Promotional Communications, Reginald blends visual storytelling, editorial insight, and a deep understanding of digital media to create compelling photographic narratives.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and now residing in the Washington D.C. area, Reginald's passion for photography is a legacy inherited from his mother, a dedicated photographer for over three decades. His work is characterized by an edgy, intimate style, focusing on portraiture, music photography, and particularly, the representation of Black experiences. Through his lens, Reginald seeks to forge a visual connection with all facets of Black life, offering viewers a unique, empowering perspective on his subjects.
Reginald's approach to photography is deeply personal and collaborative. He excels in creating a comfortable space for his clients, allowing them to see themselves through his lens, thereby capturing their most authentic selves. His exceptional ability to put subjects at ease is a hallmark of his work, making him a sought-after photographer for those seeking a truly intimate and affirming portrait experience.
His career has led to features in international publications such as British Vogue, Bon Appétit Magazine, Essence, Ebony, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post, and Buzzfeed. His series “Black Pearls” highlighting the historically Black community of Pearl City, Florida has been selected as part of the permanent collection at The Boca Raton Museum of Art. These accolades not only highlight his skill and versatility as a photographer but also underscore his commitment to elevating the narratives of the Black community through powerful imagery.
“It’s ghetto–until white folks do it.” Black women’s beauty is too often reduced to stereotypes and caricatures—dismissed as "ghetto," "hood," or "unprofessional"—until it is commodified and repackaged for mass consumption. But we know a deeper truth: Black Womanhood, in all its splendor, is not a site of degradation, but of daring. Simply seeing a Black woman be, we are all powerfully confronted by her boundlessness. She finds beauty in what the world degrades, sustenance in what she creates for herself, and divinity in her reflection. Divine Woman is more than an exhibition of Black women’s beauty: it is a celebratory reclamation of the sacred. Through curated images, "Divine Woman" praises the essence of Black femininity in all its nobility while seeking to recover the beautiful in all of its complexities. From the radiant glow of melanin-kissed skin to the unapologetic embrace of natural hair textures, each photograph serves as not only a celebration of self-love and empowerment, but challenges the rest of us to make the world a place where Black Women can very simply thrive. From the determination etched into every line of a grandmother's face to the unbridled joy radiating from the smile of a young girl embracing her identity, each photograph calls for the viewer to revere the divinity inherent in Black womanhood. Through the lens of these co-conspiratorial portraits, we can do more than rightfully admire Black women’s revolutionary aesthetic choices. We can accept the chance to be confronted boldly and plainly with our own divinity as Black Women offer us theirs. We should accept the invitation to reclaim what has been degraded. And-for those of us who are not Black women, we must make it our business to reposition the power and beauty of Black women from threat to holy–especially when it gleams too brightly for others to accept. As you immerse yourselves in this exhibition, whomever you are, do more than appreciate the beauty of each frame. Let these Divine Women be your catalyst for conversation, respect, and ultimately, active care for the divine in every Black Woman.
Please follow the link above to schedule a viewing. If there are preferred viewing times outside of the booking schedule, please contact the gallery manager at sara@smithcenter.org
