Celebrating a Decade of Storytelling in Memphis
If you love art and storytelling, Memphis is where you want to be this fall! The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is currently showcasing an impressive exhibit featuring the work of local photographer Andrea Morales, who has spent over ten years capturing the heart and soul of Memphis and its communities through her lens. The exhibit, aptly titled “Roll Down Like Water,” includes 65 stunning photographs that not only highlight the beauty of the city but also delve into its many stories.
A Journey Through Photography
Andrea Morales has had a fascinating journey. Since she was a child, she has been “making photographs”, a term she prefers as it reflects her approach to photography—one built on trust and connection rather than the more aggressive terms like “taking” or “shooting.” She sees her photographs as collaborations with the people she captures, and this perspective shines brightly in her work.
The curator of the exhibit, Rosamund Garrett, describes it as “a portrait of America through Memphis.” The exhibit draws its inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful final speech delivered in Memphis, reminding us to let justice flow freely. Morales’ photographs range from joyous moments at parades to poignant instances of hardship, encapsulating the multifaceted nature of life in Memphis.
Portraits That Speak
Each photograph tells a story. For example, you can see a vibrant scene of majorettes dancing during the Southern Heritage Classic Parade, a moment filled with energy and life. But then, there’s also a striking image of a man receiving a notice to vacate his property, highlighting the stark realities many face in the community. Morales captures these moments with a compassionate eye, giving important narratives a platform through her art.
Morales’ unique style is further enhanced by her background, which combines Catholic symbolism with influences from Renaissance artists. She often describes her subjects in a way that adds a certain “sacred” quality to their existence, making them feel like heroes of their own stories, echoing the “magnitude of small gestures” in everyday life.
A Museum Homecoming
This exhibit at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is truly special for several reasons. It is Morales’ first major museum exhibition, allowing her to showcase her works without the constraints of accompanying articles or headlines. Here, her photographs stand alone, allowing viewers to engage with them on a personal level. “It feels very special to be honored this way,” Morales shares, indicating how meaningful it is to have her work recognized in this manner.
Artistic Details Matter
The exhibit is not just a collection of photographs; it’s an immersive experience. The gallery walls are painted in dusky blue, reminiscent of a Memphis sky, inviting visitors to dive deeper into the expressions captured within the frames. Garrett has thoughtfully arranged the pieces to complement each other, creating a dialogue between images that enhances the overall experience.
A Love Letter to Memphis
At its core, Morales’ “Roll Down Like Water” is a love letter to Memphis—a city that, despite its challenges, boasts a vibrant and resilient spirit. Each photograph is accompanied by simple captions that allow the images to speak for themselves rather than being clouded by lengthy descriptions.
Community Engagement
This exhibit is designed not just for art enthusiasts but for the entire Memphis community. Morales is passionate about movement journalism, a style that emphasizes storytelling through community engagement. She hopes that through her work, she can depict a dignified community and that the exhibit invites everyone to find their personal connection to the stories presented.
Open Until January 2025
“Roll Down Like Water” will be on display until January 2025 at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, offering plenty of time for you to experience this celebration of community and art. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, this exhibit promises to provide a deeper understanding of what makes Memphis unique.
So grab your friends and family, and head to the museum to support Andrea Morales and experience her breathtaking work first-hand. You might just find that the stories captured in her photographs resonate with you long after you’ve left the gallery!
