January 14–February 19

Reception & Performance: Wednesday, January 21, 4:30–7 PM (Performance Begins at 4:30pm)

In conjunction with MLK Jr. Day and Power of One Week, NSG features a new body of assemblages and mixed-media artworks by the Pittsburgh-based sculptor, poet, and activist Vanessa German. German’s intuitive response to her materials reference folk art and the art of slavery; much of her artwork appropriates and refigures negative racial stereotypes of black womanhood. Through her artwork and community projects, German addresses problems of gun violence and prostitution that stand in opposition to the community-building and healing words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

In addition to German’s considerable success as a national visual artist, she is also an accomplished performing artist and community activist. She received a an Onyx award for her performance in the Pittsburgh premiere of Cassandra Medley’s “Relativity” and has been recognized with a Duquesne Light Leadership Award. German is the winner of the 2008 Hip Hop Award for best-spoken word poet and was selected as a 2012 TEDx Cambridge spoken word performer. 

German is the 2010 AAP Mendelson Exhibition Award Winner. Her work has been included in the 2012–2014 Art Basel Miami Beach fairs and she is represented by Pavel Zoubok Gallery in New York City. For more information about the artist visit21st Century JuJu.

my migrating soul with the prize blue ribbon or kick push kick push

Vanessa German, my migrating soul with the prize blue ribbon or kick push kick push, mixed media, 2014 

Delia on the Plane, or Cabbage Slicer

Vanessa German, Delia on the Plane, or Cabbage Slicer, mixed media, 2012.

Stop Crying Already

Vanessa German, Stop Crying Already, mixed media, 2013.

Don’t Tread On Me

Vanessa German, Don’t Tread On Me, mixed media, 2012.

German will be in residence at MSUB from January 19–23.

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The Northcutt Steele Gallery is located on the first floor of the Liberal Arts on the Montana State University Billings campus. The gallery is open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:00 pm, and by appointment. For more information visit us on Facebook.

For media inquiries and additional images contact Leanne Gilbertson, Director of Northcutt Steele Gallery, leanne.gilbertson@msubillings.edu; (406) 657-2903.