February 12, 2026
Reception & Book Signing: 5:30 PM (Great Hall)
Artist Talk: 7:00 PM (Lecture Hall)
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
2001 Campus Drive
Durham, NC 27705 United States
Event Description:
Join artists Dr. Deborah Willis, Jamaica Gilmer, and Kennedi Carter for an intergenerational conversation exploring the visual storytelling of Black life. This special program celebrates the recent release of the 25th Anniversary “Reframing” Edition of Reflections in Black: A History of Black Photographers, 1840 to the Present, which chronicles the legacy and impact of Black image-makers.
The evening begins with a reception and book signing, where guests are invited to meet the artists and purchase copies of Reflections in Black (while supplies last), followed by an artists’ talk.
Moderated by Madylin Nixon-Taplet, Director of Programs at The Beautiful Project, the conversation will examine the legacy and evolution of Black photography – its history, shifting aesthetics, and the ways image-makers have carved out space for themselves and future generations.
This gathering also honors two significant milestones in creative leadership and mentorship: the 10th Anniversary of the Nasher Teen Council, of which Kennedi Carter is a proud alumna, and the 20th Anniversary of The Beautiful Project, a Durham-based arts collective founded by Jamaica Gilmer that uses unapologetic storytelling and visual arts to advance the healing and representational justice of Black girls and women.
Together, Dr. Willis, Gilmer, and Carter will explore what it means to see and be seen, and how their work continues to expand the narrative of contemporary art while inspiring the next generation of Black photographers.
Space is limited with reservations required. RSVP link coming soon!