PAST EXHIBIT • NORTHWEST GALLERY

Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I A Woman

Artist + Entrepreneur Hiawatha D. Celebrates Over 25 Impactful Black Women in a Collection of Vibrant Portraits

Seattle-based artist & entrepreneur Hiawatha D. reflects on his art exhibit • Iconic Black Women: Ain't I a Woman • at Northwest African American Museum. Northwest Gallery Display October 2019 - March 2020
Color_20200109_Hiawatha_D_Artist_Talk_29.jpg

The sacrifices, and accomplishments Black women make are rarely celebrated…My work has always been supported by Black women from across my many communities and through this collection, I can share my love and appreciation for the foundation they all provide in supporting and sustaining our culture and communities.

— Hiawatha D.

About the Artist + Exhibit

Hiawatha D. has been a well-known and revered artist for decades. His work brings a brilliant vibrancy to the covers of books and numerous collectibles, with his signature abstract cubism and surrealism style, identifiable throughout his extensive body of work. Inspired by Black people transcending historical, societal, racial, and economic challenges in America, Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I a Woman is Hiawatha D.’s homage to the resilience, power, and beauty of Black women history-makers.

Hiawatha D. is a graduate of the Burnley School of Professional Art. Using various mediums to interpret the energy observed in African American people throughout his travels, Hiawatha uses acrylic paint, pencil, and watercolor, on cotton rag or canvas. On occasion, he also creates on ceramic bisque and wood panels. His visual artist inspirations include Salvador Dali, Jacob Lawrence, William H. Johnson, Pablo Picasso, and Henry O. Tanner, among others.

Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I a Woman art exhibition was featured at Northwest African American Museum October 2019 - March 2020. Through a series of interactive events and activations that took place December through February, hundreds of community members engaged with the Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I A Woman exhibit.

Hiawatha’s collection garnered the attention of notable press outlets, including Forbes, The Seattle Times, KOMO News, and more.

The entire NAAM team is grateful to have worked with Hiawatha and Veronica to present this inspiring collection to our community.