Moore College of Art & Design presents Denim Reparations, the inaugural solo exhibition of Philadelphia-based artist and Moore Alumna Jakia March. This powerful collection of apparel and paintings, on view from March 29th to April 7th, chronicles March's journey of upcycling denim into formal wear, exploring themes of familial bonds, longing, loss, dreams, and abstraction.
Experience formal looks crafted entirely with upcycled denim, along with underground railroad era coded quilt squares highlighting textile imagrey's rich history. Within the exhibition, March delves into the Black experience, showcasing the resilience and depth of character inherited from her ancestors through tapestries. Through abstract forms and vibrant colors, she invites viewers to consider the power of personal narratives in shaping our collective understanding of community.
A 2008 Fashion Design graduate of Moore College of Art & Design, March's artistic journey transcends the confines of the fast-fashion industry. Inspired by abstract painting and mindfulness practices, she challenges the limitations often imposed on artists and designers of color. With renowned artist Norman Lewis as a guiding light, March prioritizes deliberate brushstrokes, allowing color to become a powerful tool for interpretation.
Encouraged by her mentor, Moe Brooker, and inspired by Modern artists like Romare Bearden and Sam Gilliam, March embarks on a path of artistic exploration. Her recent abstractions delve into the depths of her dreams, employing whimsical brushstrokes and a palette rich with oceanic hues. Drawing upon reference photographs of herself and family members, she abstracts these images to a point of near-unrecognition, creating visual representations of complex emotional states.
About Jakia March
Founded in 2011, Ingram Talley Design Studio serves as a tribute to March's late grandmothers, Edna Mae Talley and Ada B. Ingram. Her work is infused with love, grace, beauty, kindness, and strength. March's artistic endeavors have taken her across the globe, from Los Angeles to New York City, Paris, Atlanta, Memphis, London, Cuba, and Berlin, shaping her worldview and fostering a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.
March's dedication to fashion design has led to collaborations with renowned brands like A.L.C., Laquan Smith, Rachel Roy, Splendid, Carter's, and Fabletics. Her experience includes roles at Harlem's Fashion Row and participation in the NYFW x NY Daily News Emerging Designer Competition. She has contributed to high-profile projects, including the 2023 Fabletics x Khloe Kardashian collection.
Throughout her career, March has achieved numerous milestones, including working with celebrity clients, designing campaigns for major corporations, showcasing a capsule collection at New York Fashion Week, and exhibiting fine art in solo and group shows across America. As Moore College of Art & Design's 2024/2025 Walenta Fellow & Artist-in-Residence, March continues to inspire and create.
Celebrate the exhibition and join us for the opening reception on Friday, March 28th from 5-7pm.
