Kenneth Montague has spent 25 years building a collection of photography that captures the Black experience on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Wedge Collection features images by Black artists from across the diaspora, including Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Great Britain, South America, and Africa. The collection encompasses a variety of photography genres, including fine art, portrait, documentary, and street photography.
The collection includes works by historic figures, emerging talents, and highly acclaimed photographers, such as James Barnor, Arielle Bobb-Willis, Samuel Fosso, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Barkley L. Hendricks, Texas Isaiah, Liz Johnson Artur, Seydou Keïta, Deana Lawson, Zun Lee, Gordon Parks, Jamel Shabazz, Xaviera Simmons, James Van Der Zee, and Carrie Mae Weems.
“As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic: Selections from the Wedge Collection” showcases over 100 works from the collection.
The book’s preface, written by photographer, critic, and curator Teju Cole, emphasizes the importance of showing Black people as fully engaged human beings, rather than solely in attitudes of despair, pain, or isolation.
“As We Rise” presents connections between iconic Black photographers, bridging the Atlantic and highlighting their shared humanity.” — Teju Cole
DAWIT L. PETROS, “Hadenbes,” 2005 (chromogenic print). | From As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic (Aperture, 2021), Courtesy the artist/Bradley Ertaskiran
Toronto dentist Montague established The Wedge Collection in 1997. As Black artists in the United States and Africa gain recognition, Montague aims to elevate the profile of Black Canadian artists, including Sandra Brewster, Michael Chambers, Anique Jordan, and Dawit Petros.
The Wedge Collection has expanded significantly to include over 400 pieces. Montague named it to address the underrepresentation of Black artists in contemporary art. His aim was to gain more visibility and ultimately integrate them into the canon.
Montague has curated exhibitions and lent works from his collection to major museum shows. His latest project, “As We Rise,” is his most ambitious yet.
His alma mater is currently hosting the show, which is on view at the Art Museum at the University of Toronto Art Centre in University College until November 19. The international exhibition will then travel to The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver, before moving to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass., where it opens on June 17, 2023.
The publication is divided into three sections: Community, Identity, and Power. It includes contributions from curators and scholars such as Cole, Isolde Brielmaier, Liz Ikiriko, Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi, Mark Sealy, Teka Selman, and Deborah Willis.
Cole noted that “As We Rise” draws connections between artists like Gordon Parks and Nontsikelelo Veleko, proposing that Seydou Keita and James Van Der Zee are akin to brothers, likening the volume to a cherished family album. CT
LATOYA RUBY FRAZIER, “Huxtables, Mom and Me,” 2008 (gelatin silver print). | From As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic (Aperture, 2021). © LaToya Ruby Frazier, Courtesy the artist and Gladstone Gallery, New York, and Brussels
DAWIT L. PETROS, “Sign,” 2003 (chromogenic print). | From As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic (Aperture, 2021), Courtesy of artist/Bradley Ertaskiran
“`html
SAMUEL FOSSO, “’70s Lifestyle,” 1975–78 (gelatin silver print). | From As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic (Aperture, 2021). © Samuel Fosso, Courtesy JM.PATRAS/PARIS
JAMEL SHABAZZ, “Rude Boy, Brooklyn, New York,” 1982 (chromogenic print). | From As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic (Aperture, 2021), Courtesy of Jamel Shabazz
Installation view of “As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic,” Art Museum at the University of Toronto (Sept. 7–Nov. 19, 2022. | Courtesy of Art Museum at the University of Toronto, Photo by Toni Hafkenscheid
JAMES BARNOR, “Drum Cover Girl Erlin Ibreck, Kilburn, London,” 1966. | From As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic (Aperture, 2021). Courtesy Autograph ABP
Installation view of “As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic,” Art Museum at the University of Toronto (Sept. 7–Nov. 19, 2022. | Courtesy of Art Museum at the University of Toronto, Photo by Toni Hafkenscheid
“`The art exhibition “As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic” features photos by Black artists from Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Great Britain, South America, and the African continent. The exhibition explores the Black experience through a wide range of images. An accompanying publication showcases the holdings of Canadian collector Kenneth Montague and presents a rich visual account of the Black experience from various perspectives. Additionally, several other books are recommended for further exploration of Black photography and cultural narratives. If you appreciate and value Culture Type, you can support its ongoing production by making a donation.
