Carole Morisseau’s ArtNight Pasadena Exhibition Is a Love Letter to African-American Culture

The Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center in Pasadena is hosting an extraordinary assembly of artists from both local and distant corners of the creative world during ArtNight Pasadena on Friday, Oct. 13. 

Titled “Common Ground: Studies in Soil and Soul,” the event will feature art by Carole Morisseau, who’s also curating the exhibit. 

“My work is primarily like a journal, a love letter to the African-American people,” the artist said. “I feel that in so many instances in art, historically in the African diaspora, people have not been really identified as main players, as central to the elements of history or painting. Most of the time, as you look through historical works, the diaspora is always depicted as maybe the servant to the king or the queen. They have been depicted as soldiers, but not ever really as a main theme. I wanted to illustrate the beauty of our people through their physical beauty as well as through their historical significance.” 

A statement from the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center said Morisseau’s art “transcends boundaries and conventions, inviting viewers to journey through a world where imagination knows no bounds.” 

“From her evocative brushstrokes to her thought-provoking compositions, Morisseau’s work is a testament to the power of art to evoke emotion and stimulate thought,” the statement said.

“Common Ground” is supported through Pasadena’s city-funded MiniGrant program and by Capoeira Batuque Pasala, a Pasadena organization dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and artistic expression, based on the concept of Capoeira, a fusion of martial arts and dance which originated among African slaves in colonial Brazil. 

“In terms of the experimental aspects of the artwork that I do, I’m working with this soil – this dirt that I have brought back from Brazil. And the dirt is really an act of resistance because, both for America and Brazil, there are so many people of black and brown descent that have been marginalized. So the dirt or the soul is incorporated into what normally would be called a traditional form of artwork. But the experimental portion of it is that I use the soil and they do compliment one another. There’s no conflict between the two at all.” 

Dianne Lewis, CEO of the Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center, said the event aims to help educate and globalize African-American artists. 

“I also want to bring a sense of understanding and respect to Pasadena per se, and ArtNight is clearly one of the times that I have an opportunity to do that,” Lewis said. “So when I’m choosing an artist, I look at how it can globally educate about our culture and who we are as a people and help them to develop a better understanding and try to bring and build cultural relationships in the community of Pasadena.” 

Founded by renowned Mezzo-Soprano Versie Mae Richardson and visual artist Emerson R. Terry, along with educator Dr. Maria Battle, the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center quickly grew from its first home at a storefront located at Orange Grove and Worcester Street to its current location, the historical landmark Pasadena firehouse at 1435 N. Raymond Ave. 

The space provides a lovely backdrop to any event, and houses an array of activities and programs that revitalized the community through the arts.

Lewis has been leading the Center for 13 years, continuing the legacy of providing quality arts training and services. 

ArtNight Pasadena is a captivating amalgamation of traditional and experimental artworks, live musical performances, tantalizing gastronomic offerings, and engaging children’s crafts. It’s a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and culture in a singular artistic experience.

For more information, including shuttle services for ArtNight and how to reach the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/artnight/.