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Najee Dorsey’s Remixed: Something Ole, Sum Nu Roux is now on view in Mullins Library. Part of the University Libraries’ Black History Month programming, the colorful and engaging show highlights scenes of African American life in the south.
Dorsey is driven to chronicle moments in black life throughout history because “stories untold are stories forgotten.” His work has been featured across the country, including at the Charles H. Wright Museum in Detroit, MI, the Columbus Museum, Columbus, GA and the African American Museum in Dallas, TX.
Often driven by nostalgia and his southern roots, the work highlights scenes and people that seem already familiar. Like in “Somewhere Down South” a digital media collage, visually textured and dense with imagery, that highlights both today’s selfie artist, but also references timeless juke joints.
“I’m most interested in the black experience, our history and the culture. My work reflects that experience and I don’t run away or have any issues with that,” Dorsey said.
Early in his career, Dorsey opened a creative hub in his hometown of Blytheville, Arkansas. The space functioned as an art gallery, coffee-shop, even a used book store, and served as a launchpad for his shift to full-time artist.
Dorsey also founded Black Art In America (BAIA), a free online media platform for African American artists, collectors, art enthusiasts, and arts professionals. The organization’s mission centers on exposure, appreciation, and access for black artists and the network has a monthly virtual reach of 750,000 visitors.
Remixed: Something Ole, Sum Nu is available in Mullins Library through March, and can be viewed anytime the Library is open. Mullins Library’s hours are listed online, or contact Martha Guirl-Phillips in the Libraries’ Dean’s Office at 479-575-6702. View some of the pieces on our online gallery, or let us know which piece caught your eye by tagging #najeeremixed.
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I have followed the work of Najee Dorsey for the past three years. I should like to see this work at Crystal Bridges Mueum of American Art in permanent form.