Rachel Maryam Smith (MFA 2020) has been selected to particpate in a juried show at Root Division in San Francisco. “Colorism: The Spectrum of Internalized Bias” analyzes the phenomenon of appearance-based discrimination among members of the same identity group. Interrogating this topic through contemporary media including photography, installation, animation, video and performance art, this exhibition includes a panel discussion, and a film screening.

Influenced by ongoing research on the impact of colorism on individuals and the larger society, curator D.E. Stenvoll-Wells explores how colorism pervades globally and prevents the unity required to combat white supremacy. Colorism: The Spectrum of Internalized Bias aims to unpack the internalized consequences of racial constructs, and questions the very basis of modern-day racial categorization. Featuring powerful multimedia work by local and international artists, this show opens the door to more productive dialogue among families and communities, acting as an educational tool for combating intra-racial prejudice.

Artist Panel Discussion: Thursday, July 18, 6:30 – 8:30pm / details to be announced shortly

Film Screening: Wednesday, July 24, 7 – 9pm / details to be announced shortly

In conjunction with the exhibition, Root Division will be releasing a catalog to archive the exhibition. The catalog will be released during the closing reception on Saturday, August 10th from 7 – 9pm.