Peter Williams: Homegoing–A Call and Response

“As I go further into the backstory of my work, I feel that it is all about the strength to cross a middle passage, to endure centuries of slavery, and find some place to exist that is not just on the physical plane. I’m trying to find that world inside my painting.” - Peter Williams

To mark his recent passing and honor his life’s work, this group exhibition features a selection of Williams’ iconic paintings alongside those of fellow Black creatives, serving as a moment of remembrance and connection. Rooted in themes of history, presence, and liberation, Peter Williams: Homegoing moves beyond a retrospective into an active call-and-response through the cultural practice of “homegoing”–a memorial celebration of life, legacy, and freedom in the Black community.

Williams aimed to capture the uniquely Black experience on canvas by addressing personal narratives and social justice issues. Through vibrant, honest, dark, humorous, unsettling, and richly layered works, he employed caricature and storytelling to address the complexities of our times and the realities faced by Black Americans today.

Keisha Williams, Director and Curator of MCAD Gallery, states, “This exhibition marks the first time Williams’ work will be displayed in this context with fellow Black artists from Minnesota, which amplifies and serves as an offering for Williams' and our collective liberation. Through a chorus of artists' voices, it’s a symbolic and literal welcome back to MCAD, honoring his dedication to depict the presence and resilience of Black culture.”

Participating Artists:
Ta-coumba T. Aiken ’74
Leslie Barlow MFA ’16
Sayge Carroll
Candice Davis ’18
Douglas R. Ewart
Russell M. Hamilton
Christopher E. Harrison
Maiya Lea Hartman
Leeya Rose Jackson
Seitu Ken Jones
Nia-Symonne
Lamar Peterson
Bobby Rogers ’14
seangarrison
Jovan C. Speller
Peter Williams ’75

Gallery Hours:
Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.