Contact: Stephanie Sun, Marketing Manager
ssun@contemporarycraft.org
412.261.7003 x29
www.contemporarycraft.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOATHS AND EPITHETS: WORKS BY SONYA CLARK

PITTSBURGH, PA - April 29, 2017 - The Contemporary Craft (CC) is pleased to present work by Sonya
Clark, a leader in the field of craft and material studies for more than 20 years. Oaths and Epithets:
Works by Sonya Clark is a solo show including works by this internationally recognized artist that havenever been publicly exhibited; her work explores self identity and social perceptions throughcommonplace objects and centuries-old handcraft traditions. The exhibition opened on Friday, April 21,
2017 and is free and open to the public at CC’s Strip District gallery through Saturday, August 19, 2017.
Through Clark’s artwork, CC invites the viewers to discover how commonplace objects act as mirrors andsponges reflecting and absorbing personal and collective narratives. Preoccupied with the texture,
styling and politics of black hair, Clark leads the viewers on an investigation of inherent histories
embedded in familiar materials ranging from human hair, to thread, gold and other materials. As scholar
Bill Gaskins states in the exhibition brochure, Clark’s work “offers a bridge to anyone seeking freedom
from fear and ignorance about the complexities, contradictions, and consequences of slavery in
America — then and now.”
Clark was born in Washington, DC to a psychiatrist from Trinidad and a nurse from Jamaica and gained
an appreciation for craft and the value of the handmade primarily from her maternal grandmother who
was a professional tailor. Many of her family members taught her the value of a well-told story and so itis that she values the stories held in objects.
Since CC was founded 46 years ago, only a rare handful of artists have been given the entire gallery for asolo show, among them seminal individuals including Peter Voulkos, Lenore Tawney, Nick Cave, Mr.
Imagination and, most recently, Edward Eberle. Further in recognition of the impressive breadth anddepth of Clark’s career, CC is pleased to honor her with the exceptional and merited designation ofRaphael Prize for innovation in contemporary craft. Providing critical support for artists has been at theheart of the work of CC; the organization’s founder, Elizabeth R. Raphael, who cared deeply about
creating exhibitions and sales opportunities that would allow artists to make a livelihood while
supporting their creation of new work.

FUNDERSThis exhibition is made possible by the Allegheny Regional Asset District, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Fundof the Pittsburgh Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and theWindgate Foundation.
- more -Sonya Clark, 2MEDIA SPONSORSThis exhibition is media sponsored by 90.5 WESA and 91.3 WYEP.

ABOUT CONTEMPORARY CRAFT

Presenting contemporary art in craft media by regional, national, and international artists since 1971,
Contemporary Craft (CC) offers cutting edge exhibitions focusing on multicultural diversity and nonmainstream art, as well as a range of studio workshops, community outreach programs, and a retailstore. Through its mission of engaging the public in creative experiences through contemporary craft, CC
offers meaningful art opportunities for 145,000 people a year through four core values: providing vital
support for artists, filling critical gaps in public education; sharing cross cultural perspectives; and using
art to build community. CC is located at 2100 Smallman Street in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, PA.
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Exhibition and informal, hands-on art activities inthe Drop-In Studio are always free to the public. Contemporary Craft is committed to making its
exhibitions, programs, and services accessible to the public. For questions related to accessible
accommodations, please contact us. For more information, visit www.contemporarycraft.org or call412.261.7003.
For additional details or images, please contact Stephanie Sun at ssun@contemporarycraft.org.
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