International African American Museum’s special exhibition with work by Fletcher Williams III focuses on the South
September 18, 2023
WHAT: The International African American Museum (IAAM) will host an opening reception for a special exhibition by Fletcher Williams III: “When It Rains It Shines.” The opening reception, originally planned for August 30, has been rescheduled, and there are new opportunities for interested individuals to register for what was a sold-out event. There will be light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle with Fletcher Williams III.
At a later date, contemporary artist Fletcher Williams III will discuss his journey and the myriad personal and cultural landscapes that inform his first solo museum exhibition, “When It Rains It Shines,” which is on display at the International African American Museum (IAAM) through December 3, 2023. Williams will be in conversation with Chase Quinn, an award-winning journalist, art critic, and curator.
WHEN: The opening reception will be held on Wednesday, September 27, with self-guided open tours beginning at 7:00 p.m. and lasting until 9:00 p.m.
The artist talk will be held on October 11, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: The International African American Museum (IAAM)
14 Wharfside Street
Charleston, S.C. 29401
WHO: Fletcher Williams III is a multi-disciplinary artist from Charleston, S.C. His work has been featured in multiple group shows and solo exhibitions throughout the country. His conceptual art-making practice is rooted in Southern vernacular. Williams earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Cooper Union for the Advancement in Science and Art, where he studied drawing, painting, sculpture, print-making, and graphic design. While the core of Williams’ education focused on producing multimedia artwork, he devoted much time to studying social anthropology, the foundation of which continues to influence his work.
DESCRIPTION: In “When It Rains It Shines,” Williams constructs a labyrinth of personal memories, rituals, and sacred hideaways using sculpture, sound, and light. It is both a dreamscape and a psychedelic vision of what it is to be in and of the South. Both “disorienting and inviting” the immersive installation offers visitors an opportunity to interact with the South in new, thought-provoking ways. This special exhibition is made possible by support from the Bank of America.
REGISTRATION: The public is invited to attend the artist talk and the opening reception, but space is limited for both events. Individuals interested in the artist talk can register here or at iaamuseum.org/events, while individuals interested in attending the opening reception can register here or at iaamuseum.org/events. Individuals who are not able to register for either of these events can purchase tickets to tour the museum during regular hours. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition will be available for viewing until December 3.
