“Artists are not usually comfortable on the front lines of social activism and political action. The studio where the dynamic frustration of creation takes place is the more secure environment. Driven by a heart-filled personal response to what she sees in our society, V.L. Cox has left the studio with the End Hate series and has taken her stand. ”
END HATE PROJECT
*Registered with the United States Library of Congress.
The End Hate Project is a narrative body of work that looks at our history of past and present discrimination, gender issues, and social culture. The powerful pieces convey messages that are aggressive, violent, disturbing, irreverent, and even humorous, but all show us as a society where we’ve been before and where we can’t allow ourselves to go again.
EXHIBITION VENUES 2015-2020
• The Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas coinciding with the 100-year
Anniversary of the Elaine Massacre and Memorial unveiling.
• The Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Virginia.
• The Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama coinciding with the Equal
Justice Initiative National Memorial for Peace and Justice Opening.
• The Virginia Longwood Center for the Visual Arts Museum in collaboration
with the Moton Museum.
• The LGBT Center, New York, New York.
• The Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"I use authentic, historical objects and materials in my work. In a world where we can’t remember what we had for lunch yesterday, uncomfortable social and historical events are often quickly dismissed and filed away in the recesses of our busy minds. Antiquated metal dented and rusted with time, well-worn fabric, and vintage advertising signage all have a story. They connect us, and their familiar appearance, feel, and even smell create a primal tactile sensory experience that awakens our memories. They remind us of the lessons we have forgotten, and once again need to learn by eliciting diverse dialogue and cultivating conversation about community civil rights and social issues addressing our society today. My goal in the “End Hate” series is to engage viewers responsibly in a dialogue no matter how uncomfortable. By truthfully looking in the mirror at ourselves we take the first step in accepting the fact that we are all part of the link that needs to be repaired." - V.L. Cox
(Click on images for descriptions.)
