Cornelia Stokes

"My curatorial philosophy is rooted in my artistic practice and lifetime commitment to increasing the representation of Black artists within art historical narratives. Central to my understanding of the curator's role, art tells stories, communicates progress as well as struggle, and signals opportunities for future generations to create new narratives. In Eyeminded, Kellie Jones reminds us that the value of art and history is critical in transforming public and private spaces to create needed dialogues. In this way, art serves as a mechanism to form mutually beneficial relationships, a core tenant of my curatorial practice. My curatorial practice is also deeply rooted in Pan-African practices and kinship, focusing on building community through the arts and philosophies of the Black diaspora. Looking to complexify the oversimplification of Blackness within mainstream culture, I invest in opportunities to promote and explore the wide varieties of the Black experience. My approach involves designing innovative spaces for conversation and art-making, centering young Black students, creatives, and local businesses."

Stokes earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a concentration in curatorial studies from Spelman College, where she was a part of the inaugural cohort of the Curatorial Studies program. Stokes also received a Master of Arts in Pan-African Studies from Syracuse University, where her thesis focused on contemporary artist Amy Sherald. 

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