Across Generations and Geographies: A Conversation Between Hew Locke and Grace Aneiza Ali

Join us at Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum for a conversation between renowned Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke, whose work explores empire and power, and Guyanese-American curator Grace Aneiza Ali. The landmark exhibition, Donald Locke: Nexus, curated by Ali and on view here at Atlanta Contemporary, honors the life and legacy of Guyanese-born artist Donald Locke (1930–2010), one of Atlanta’s most influential artists. It focuses on how the concept of “nexus” permeates his artistic and intellectual journey and his engagement with themes of migration, cultural hybridity, and the histories of colonialism.

As the eldest son of Donald Locke, Hew Locke will expand on his father’s influence, offering an intimate perspective on how his groundbreaking work and artistic philosophies shaped his own career and curiosities. The conversation will delve into how Donald Locke’s innovative approach to materiality and form bridges cultural narratives, from his Guyanese heritage to his experiences in Britain, the Caribbean, and the United States. With a particular focus on the crucial role of the archive in legacy building, Ali and Locke will discuss the ways his father's legacy resonates across generations and geographies.

This program is co-hosted with Atlanta Contemporary, and Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum and Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Books Library.

This program is free and open to the public, and registration is required.