Chapter 2, A Subtle Farewell to the Inner Child

Chapter 2, A Subtle Farewell to the Inner Child

Gee Horton: Chapter 2, A Subtle Farewell to the Inner Child, Horton’s second solo exhibition, delves into the artist’s exploration of the inner child. Weaving personal narratives and collective experiences, this exhibition invites visitors to embark on profound voyages of healing and self-discovery. This exhibition is part of the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial: backstories.

Inspired by a soul-stirring pilgrimage to Senegal, West Africa, Horton’s odyssey commences with a “spiritual cowrie shell reading,” unveiling his father’s ailing health. This revelation sparks a cathartic quest, enabling Horton to confront childhood traumas and mend fractured bonds.

Juxtaposing the artist’s individual odyssey is the collective narrative of six middle-aged African American men, each intimately connected to Horton and his formative years. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky and various corners of Ohio, these men share parallel journeys of resilience, redemption, and renewal.

Through employing “The Baobab Project,” a multifaceted artistic endeavor integrating photography, collage, and mixed media, Horton explores the nuanced experiences of Black men transitioning from youth to adulthood. Conceptually grounded in majestic African Baobab trees, symbolizing resilience and communal strength, the exhibition draws poignant parallels to the modern-day Barbershop—an emblematic space of camaraderie and empowerment within Black communities.

Horton’s exhibition offers a multi-dimensional exploration of black masculinity and the human spirit with installations and artworks that facilitate dialogue on blackness, identity, and the enduring power of healing. Through photography, drawings, collage, and videography — a dynamic short film in collaboration with filmmaker Shay Nartker — Horton crafts an intimate, immersive experience for viewers to reflect, connect, and discover beauty in the journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7 from 6-8pm. Light refreshments, music by DJ DNasti

Artist Talk: Sunday, September 22 from 2-4pm. Artist Talk with Gee Horton, facilitated by Phyllis Jeffers-Coly of Diasporic Soul.

Film Screening, Artist Talk, & Closing Reception: Saturday, November 2. Join us in the KHAC Lindner Annex (located at 6620 Montgomery Road) for the screening of the 9 minute short film created by Gee Horton and Shay Nartker starting promptly at 1:00pm. Immediately following the film will be a short Artist Talk with Gee Horton & Shay Nartker.

Listen to the Cincinnati Edition interview by Lucy May with Gee Horton and Phyllis Jeffers-Coly.

Image: Gee Horton, The Watcher, SX-70 Polaroid Film, 2022, 4 1/4″ x 3 1/2″

Support for this 2024 FotoFocus Biennial exhibition was provided in part by FotoFocus.

Additional support was provided by George & Margaret McClane Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, ArtsWave, Habitat for Humanity Greater Cincinnati, Kintimit, and Diasporic Soul.