Digital Exhibit: “ReEnvisioned: Contemporary Portraits of Our Black Ancestors”

Salem Art Association presents “ReEnvisioned: Contemporary Portraits of Our Black Ancestors” from may 1 to June 30. This digital exhibition, showcasing 10 powerful portraits, is accessible to audiences across Oregon and beyond. This innovative format ensures that the exhibition can be experienced by anyone, breaking down geographical barriers and offering an inclusive platform for reflection, education, and dialogue.

The series of 10 striking portraits were commissioned by the Salem Art Association in 2022 as part of a broader effort to reinvent and reimagine the Bush House Museum. The vision of acclaimed artist Jeremy Okai Davis (left) guided the creation of each piece in the series. Davis’s work not only honors the individuals depicted but also challenges the historical narratives that have long sidelined the contributions of Black Americans. These portraits now reside in the permanent collection at the Bush House Museum, where they stand as declarations of presence—a powerful reminder of the lives that have shaped our society and deserve recognition.

As curators of the Bush House Museum as a historic site, we recognize the harm Asahel Bush inflicted on
people of color in Oregon, and the creation of this exhibition marks a significant step toward addressing the underrepresentation of people of color in cultural institutions, including our own. The completion of this portrait series, three years after the initial commission, is an acknowledgment of the important contributions of Black individuals to the fabric of our state and a reflection of our commitment to honoring these legacies.

This exhibit was funded, in part, by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c) 3.