Modern art is expanding. The idea of art that people once knew is evolving. Amidst the excavation of an old parking lot close to Washington Street, Rutgers University – Newark had set its sights on the creation of an innovative Honors Living-Learning Community. However, what they uncovered exceeded all expectations. While at the site, they were able to discover Halsey Street Methodist Episcopal Cemetery. The church was established in 1809 and lasted till the 1870s which was replaced and built over by 1980. A treasure trove of more than 26,000 artifacts came to light, which would serve as the building blocks for the Paul Robeson Galleries named in homage to the distinguished political activist and Rutgers alumnus, Paul Robeson. The Paul Robeson Galleries comprise a network of exhibition spaces spanning the Rutgers University-Newark campus and Express Newark.
The galleries display works of art and cultural artifacts that reflect Paul Robeson’s dedication to artistic freedom, cultural democracy, and internationalism. The Paul Robeson Galleries used artifacts to create an exhibit named “Despite the Spoils” with the main focus a mural painted by Armisey Smith called “A Question of Time”
Smith, an African American artist originally hailing from Brooklyn and now a resident of Newark, New Jersey, began her artistic journey at a tender age, drawing inspiration from her mother, Peggy Ruth Smith. Smith had dreams of becoming a doctor but being raised around her mother’s work taught her about the material and even ended in her receiving her first set of chopped pastel which she keeps to this day.
When Smith holds her brush, she channels her beliefs into her artwork, weaving intricate narratives and illuminating perspectives for the world to see. She said, “Part of doing mural work is that you want to connect to the community.”
Smith draws inspiration from political movements and represents them through the perspective of a woman of color. With her gifts she is able to represent and defend her opinions while adding beauty among the community of Newark.
“A Question of Time” made by Smith envisioned a world where the slave trade did not happen. It celebrates the triumphant accomplishments that Africa would have achieved, symbolized by the gleaming gold that represents the invaluable resources Africa would have retained, untouched by the damage of the triangular trade. The passage of time and the strides of progress are symbolically portrayed through the lines that traverse the mural. She says, “I think it’s important to see what’s happening now, and see the parallels between now and what happened in the past.”
Smith was able to voice her true interpretation of a world without the slave trade being her first mural where she had free range in terms of the design and walls. She was inspired by the artifacts excavated and used it to craft a story in the past just like the relics. Completing her 6th mural, Ms. Smith spoke about how she didn’t struggle much in terms of what she was allowed to do and knew what she wanted to create as soon as she had started.
“As a woman artist – particularly a woman of color artist, it is difficult to navigate multi-layered realms of racism, sexism, homophobia, etc., but you push through it to become a more evolved person. The paint brush, canvas, pencils, charcoal, etc., is the place to express feelings – to place it back into the universe with the hope of forgiving others and oneself” said Smith. Even though she has finished painting her mural, Smith’s artistic journey is far from over. Smith is the co-founder of the art studio Art with All (AWA) where she works with children to improve art throughout Newark. She is also working on a new mural which will symbolize what it means to be an African American woman.
Art has begun to spread within St. Benedict’s Prep as well. With our strong community we have begun to develop talented artists. Ryan Ramirez UDII says that, “Art is a form of expression and for me it’s always what I do in a time of stress, it helps me speak what I can’t say in a visual manner”.
This exhibit has made a huge impact on St. Benedict’s and it is only the beginning. Ms. Flynn H ‘95, Director of the Drama Guild, will be revisiting many galleries in Newark with her students along with Ms. Wye, who has planned trips to the Paul Robeson Gallery as a way to inspire her students. The Gray Bees are renowned for their uniqueness and hardwork, and with time, our prosperous artists will certainly earn praise throughout Newark for their exceptional talents.
