Take Me As I Am: Redemption And Grace for the Discarded Is an art exhibit premiering new mixed media works detailing the fight to preserve Houston’s historic Third Ward neighborhood by contemporary Southern artist Lance Flowers. The title “Take Me As I Am,” is a reference to the hymn from the late 19th century. The title is also a spot on description of Flowers’ artistic practice. His process leads him to seek out and repurpose found materials once deemed trash or an “eyesore” to tell vivid allegories steeped in Southern tradition.
Gentrification is a persistent battle in Houston’s underserved communities. Besides being a predominantly Black neighborhood nestled within prime real estate, Third Ward has given birth to some of the most diverse talent Houston has to offer. Despite its cultural impact, the neighborhood still weathers a constant onslaught of land grabs, illegal dumps, inflation, resource deprivations and political trickery. Within Third Ward’s district lines lie sprawling homes, shotgun row houses, and low-income projects all cohabiting and thriving to some degree. It is a delicate ecosystem that has found resilience despite bouts with violent crime, drug abuse, climate disruptions, and economic downturn.
Third Ward is propelled by more than money. Its rich spiritual diversity is the key factor to the neighborhood narrative. Third Ward is teaming with spiritual practitioners of many faiths and beliefs. This spiritual centering coupled with community introspection is what ultimately creates a harmonious melding among its residents. Take Me As I Am provides a fresh outlook on community, religion, and African Americans through a series of works highlighting Third Ward’s diverse cultural and spiritual engagement. This exhibit informs and provides new insights to help Yale and the broader public better understand, interact, and create solutions for our ever-changing world.
Free and open to the public.
Exhibit curated by Robert Hodge.
This exhibition will be on view at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music’s Miller Hall at 406 Prospect Street, New Haven from October 24-December 5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12-4 p.m., except for Thursday, November 28 when the ISM is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Sponsored by the Institute of Sacred Music’s Religion, Ecology, and Expressive Culture Initiative.