In a mixture of culture and artistic elements, Derrick Adams’ solo exhibition “On”, located at Pioneer Works in Red Hook through July 17th, captures both the struggle and the beauty of black people. The exhibit is held in a few rooms filled with extremely colorful TV screens of collages of distinctive cloths and other mixed media. This motif of television screens runs throughout the entire exhibit, but each room focuses on a different aspect of African-American culture. Some rooms include pictures of African-American celebrities and their encounters with each other. Another room is occupied by stands with ethnically styled wigs over light bulbs. Pioneer Works has a welcoming, vibrant feel to it with its high-ceilings and rather dim lighting. The photos encapsulate the past relationship between black culture and the majority-white entertainment industry by reminding those who attend of the prominent stereotypes against black people seen in the media every day. Adams takes a turn in direction as the next couple of rooms depict a completely new image of black culture; a culture independent from the stereotypes against it in the entertainment industry.

In Adams’s work I saw a clear division between reality and the world of media. I felt as comfortable in the setting as I felt enlightened. Without words, Adams was able to convey an obvious message that needed to be addressed, especially in a time in which racial issues are setting themselves out in a new and ongoing movement. I would definitely recommend “On” to anyone interested in experiencing a twist on challenging racial ignorance in an artistic manner.