Voci in Print: New Jersey Black Women Printmakers Shaping the American Narrative

Roots in Resistance and Revival

Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton hosts an exhibition spotlighting Black women printmakers from New Jersey and beyond, opening September 9, 2026. Curated by Judith K. Brodsky and Rhinold L. Ponder, the show presents works spanning multiple generations, highlighting how these artists use printmaking to explore identity, history, and social justice. The exhibition marks the inaugural program in Morven’s newly renovated gallery space dedicated to underrepresented voices in American art.

The featured artists draw from personal and communal histories, employing techniques ranging from woodcut and lithography to digital print processes. Many works reference the Great Migration, civil rights struggles, and contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter. Brodsky notes that printmaking has long served as an accessible medium for marginalized communities to disseminate powerful messages. Ponder adds that the exhibition intentionally includes emerging artists alongside established figures to show continuity and evolution in the medium.

How Does Printmaking Amplify Underrepresented Stories?

Printmaking allows for multiple iterations of an image, enabling artists to reach broader audiences while maintaining artistic control. Several pieces in the show incorporate text, layered imagery, and symbolic motifs to challenge dominant historical narratives. Visitors have responded strongly to a series of prints depicting Black women in industrial and agricultural labor, recontextualizing their contributions to New Jersey’s economic development. Educational workshops accompanying the exhibition teach traditional and experimental print techniques to local high school students.

What types of printmaking techniques are featured in the exhibition? The show includes woodcuts, etchings, lithographs, screen prints, and digital prints, reflecting both traditional and contemporary approaches used by the artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any of the artists native to New Jersey? Yes, several participating artists were born or have long-standing ties to New Jersey, including printmakers from Newark, Trenton, and Camden whose work reflects local cultural landscapes.

Will the exhibition travel to other venues after its run at Morven? Current plans focus on the Princeton presentation through the fall of 2026, with no official touring schedule announced as of the opening date.