“SAWUBONA,” a powerful new exhibition, brings together the voices and visions of a dozen Black/African American and AAPINH (Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) youth artists alongside local artist mentors.
The exhibition opened with an artist reception from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at City Hall’s Gallery One.
“These young artists have powerful stories to tell, and their creativity offers new and meaningful ways to see the world,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This exhibition celebrates their artistry and also fosters a deeper understanding of identity, community and belonging.”
True New Mexico is an annual anti-racism, youth-centered, arts-based project developed as a collaboration between the New Mexico Asian Family Center and the New Mexico Black Leadership Council. The theme for the True New Mexico 2024 project is Sawubona, a Zulu greeting that literally means, “I see you.” More than words of politeness, Sawubona carries the importance of recognizing the worth and dignity of each person. It says, “I see the whole of you – your experiences, your passions, your strengths and your weaknesses, your future. You are valuable to me.”
SAWUBONA will be on view through April 25. The opening reception and exhibition are free and open to the public. Gallery One hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gallery One is located on the first floor of City Hall at 1 Civic Plaza NW.