“Talking Heads” Opening Reception

March 9 | 5 – 7 p.m.

Alert the media! You are invited to the March 9 opening of “Talking Heads,” a new multi-media group exhibition reflecting the diverse thoughts and experiences of Art Enables’ resident artists.

Come enjoy all things cerebral — music from The Talking Heads all evening, photos with friends in our “Talking Heads” photobooth, lip-themed libations and light bites, and most spectacularly, mix and mingle with the artists themselves! 

From 5 to 7 p.m., step into a world where larger-than-life faces inspired by celebrities, icons, historical figures, and artists dominate the gallery.

While media representation is becoming more inclusive, people with disabilities are still reflected infrequently. When they are, they're often treated as unrealistic tokens: subjects of charity or inspiring heroes for the non-disabled. Art Enables artists consider this dynamic in "Talking Heads."

These lively portraits confront the viewer with their bold physical presence and with words: QR codes alongside the works link to audio recordings of celebrated media personalities voicing quotes from Art Enables artists. Journalists, news anchors, podcasters, and authors relay the ideas that occupy the artists as real people in a world that often overlooks them as such. 

The diversity of the fifteen "talking heads" and their accompanying words directly reflects the artists' diversity of thought and experience, denoting a richness not commonly ascribed to this community in mainstream culture. With well-known voices sharing their concerns, we aim to create a small reality where this representation — its complex, insightful, challenging facets —commands attention. 

The choice to engage is yours — just like in the real world. Take action to listen or read the words on offer, embracing the opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of thought that makes this exhibition a must-see.

Contributing voices include Jamelle Bouie (The New York Times), Lorenzo Hall (WUSA9), Ron Charles (The Washington Post), Kat Chow (journalist and author), Elahe Izadi (The Washington Post), Tony Perkins (NBC4), and Martine Powers (The Washington Post).

Artwork by Maurice Barnes, Duane Blacksheare-Staton, Jacqueline Coleman, Charmaine Jones, Mike Knox, Toni Lane, Paul Lewis, Raymond Lewis, Vanessa Monroe, Eileen Schofield, A.T., and Imani Turner

With quotes by Jay Bird, Mara Clawson, Jacqueline Coleman, Jabari Cooper, Mike Knox, Toni Lane, Peter LoBrutto, CeeJ Maples, Vanessa Monroe, Eileen Schofield, Imani Turner, and other anonymous Art Enables artists