C E L E B R A T I N G
Black History Month
Winfred Rembert's Artistic Odyssey n an exciting collaboration between The Columbus circumstances, as he learned the art of tooling and Icommunity Museum and Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, the crafting leather from a fellow prisoner—a technique is invited for a special documentary screening that later became the means through which he shared
and talkback session of All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert. Scheduled for Thursday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Columbus Public Library (3000 Macon Road), this free public program will offer an opportunity to explore the remarkable life and artistry of Georgia native Winfred Rembert. The screening will pay homage to this esteemed local artist, and will provide a unique opportunity for additional learning and discussion with the documentary’s director Vivian Ducat, activist Sam Mahone, and Columbus Museum Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of American Art Jonathan F. Walz, PhD. A Triumph Against Adversity Winfred Rembert, born in nearby Cuthbert, Georgia, embodied a journey marked by perseverance, resilience, and artistic brilliance. Raised in the heart of the Deep South during the era of Jim Crow, Rembert, the son of a sharecropper, faced the harsh realities of racial tensions while toiling in the cotton fields. His Winfred Rembert - From American Documentary - All Me
teenage years were deeply influenced by the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, leading to confrontations with law enforcement. In 1965, while attending a peaceful protest which had been attacked by white antagonists, Rembert fled in a stolen car, leading to his arrest. In 1967, incarcerated and awaiting charges, he escaped from jail, surviving a near-lynching by an angry mob. For the next seven years, he endured imprisonment in multiple penitentiaries within the Georgia prison system, working on various chain gangs—an experience central to the narrative of his extraordinary art. Rembert’s artistry developed in unexpected LocaL
his powerful story with the world. From Leather Canvases to National Collections Rembert’s journey is a testament to the idea that art can flourish in unexpected places. Using hand tools and shoe dye on leather canvases, he depicted scenes and themes from African American life in the Jim Crow
By Winfred Rembert
South. His artwork, representing resilience, survival, and triumph over adversity, has found a permanent home in collections across the country. In addition to The Columbus Museum, Winfred Rembert’s work graces the permanent collections of renowned institutions, Cotton Pickers including the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, TX; Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, OH; Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR; and the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT. His artistic legacy is also preserved in collections at the Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia, Athens, GA; the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA; and the Legacy Museum, Equal Justice Initiative, in Montgomery, AL. Pulitzer Prize Winner In his final year, Rembert engaged in an extensive series of conversations with philosopher Erin Kelly. Chasing Me To My Grave: An Artist’s Memoir of the Jim Crow South was published posthumously in September 2021 and won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Biography. The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries will be hosting multiple book discussions on the award-winning memoir. Details can be found on the Library website at cvlga.org/events. 8
Movie Screening and Talkback: A Glimpse into Rembert’s World This event, in partnership with the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries as a part of “The Columbus Museum on Tour,” transcends traditional celebrations by offering an immersive experience. Attendees can not only witness the screening of the 2011 documentary All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert, but also engage in a talkback session with key figures closely connected to Rembert’s narrative. Filmmaker Vivian Ducat, activist Sam Mahone, and Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of Source: Southern Roots: The Paintings of Winfred Rembert - The Butler Institute of American Art
American Art Jonathan F. Walz, PhD. will lead a dynamic discussion about the importance of preserving Rembert’s remarkable story and others like it for future generations. The talkback provides a unique opportunity for the audience to gain deeper insights into the artist’s life, the challenges he faced, and the enduring impact of his legacy. Limited seating is available on a first-come, firstserved basis. As an open and free event, no registration is required. Learning from Rembert’s Legacy This event extends an invitation to the community to appreciate Winfred Rembert not just as an artist but as a local figure who stood against injustice. His works serve as powerful tools for fostering great ideas, sparking conversations about civil rights, resilience, and the enduring power of art. As we learn about Rembert’s journey, we gain a broader understanding of how creativity can emerge from unexpected places and serve as a catalyst for change. For more information, visit columbusmuseum. com/programs-events. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a memorable evening of art, history, and community engagement.u
Source: Psyche.Co - Ashes To Ashes - Winfred Rembert, The Only Living Survivor Of A Lynching, A Star Wars Fanatic & Leather Artist
F EBR UAR Y 2024
