A “Black tatter.” A neurodivergent student. A woman Olympic athlete. A Black man “caged” by systemic racism. A “thirst for change” in discrimination.
These poignant and moving works produced by students and recent alumni comprise "Rising Voices," the first creations featured in the new Carter-Tinson Gallery on the third floor of the Curtis Media Center.
An opening reception on October 12 brought together the benefactors, students, staff, faculty and members of UNC Hussman boards as the winning works were unveiled.
The gallery is the brainchild of 1996 UNC Hussman graduates and California-based strategic communicators J.J. Carter — global chief operating officer and president for the Americas at FleishmanHillard — and David Tinson, chief experiences officer at Electronic Arts (EA). An additional gift of a state-of-the-art multimedia projector by Teaching Assistant Professor Gary Kayye ensures Curtis Media Center visitors will experience these works firsthand.
The gallery’s inaugural display features the work of five UNC Hussman students and recent alumni.
J’sha Gift: Caged
ABSTRACT:
“Caged” is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the lived experiences of Black men in the United States, shedding light on the complex and often harrowing reality they face. This concept of freedom being disguised as a cage is a poignant metaphor for the multifaceted challenges and fears they confront daily. The fear of police brutality and racial profiling is a pervasive and deeply ingrained concern within the Black community. It’s not just about physical freedom but also the psychological and emotional toll that comes with constantly living under the shadow of systemic racism. This “cage” represents the structural barriers, prejudices, and biases that hinder the full realization of freedom and equality for Black men in America.
Malana Johnson: “Women Can Have It All”
ABSTRACT:
Second-year master’s student and Motion Picture Association intern Malana Johnson created the case study, “Women Can Have It All,” to analyze Nike’s treatment of Allyson Felix, a track and field Olympian, whom the company discriminated against once she became pregnant. The presentation gives a direct account of Allyson Felix’s experiences with Nike when she decided to start a family and how she changed the game for professional female athletes now. Allyson Felix demonstrated that female professional athletes can take control of their own destinies in regard to contractual finances and having a family.
Aayas Joshi: “The Masquerade”
ABSTRACT:
Morehead-Cain scholar Aayas Joshi created “The Masquerade” photo essay as part of a series that allows Kathryn Chao to portray her experience living with ADHD and gives viewers a small glimpse of the often-hidden experiences of those who struggle with ADHD. “Masking is a term used in the neurodivergent community to express the feeling of trying to act ordinary or converse within general social norms even if it is unnatural for you,” Chao explained. “For me, the agitation of suppressing certain natural behaviors is at first unnoticeable but can build up after long periods of talking or when constantly overstimulated.” Joshi’s work earned Best in Show in the annual 37th Frame contest, hosted by the student chapter of the National Press Photographers' Association, in spring 2023.
John Ratkowiak: “Dasani Gold Crowbar”
ABSTRACT:
The goal of this award winner was to build a brand marketing campaign that would change the sour perception of Dasani water for the better. Ratkowiak’s presentation addresses sensitive issues in Florida – banning critical race theory, queer literature, AP courses, and more. The resulting “Thirst for Change” campaign partners Dasani with publishing houses and independent authors to give back to students the resources banned in Florida schools, by wrapping Dasani bottles with QR codes that link to a digital database of free materials. It won second place in the Quarterly Crowbar Awards hosted by Breaking & Entering Advertising Podcast. Ratkowiak graduated in May and joined BBDO New York in June as Art Direction Intern.
Jade Wilson: “Black Tatter”
ABSTRACT:
Artist Jade Wilson’s short documentary, “Black Tatter” conveys a depth of emotional, financial and societal issues intersecting with one another. We are taken inside a tattoo parlor in Durham, where a small group of transgender and Black tattoo artists work to overcome complex problems and societal limitations by forming their own community. The result is a compelling and evocative story that will open your eyes and heart. Wilson earned a master’s degree in May and leads Executive Pixel Pusher Freelance Marketing and Creative Services.