PHILADELPHIA (March 27, 2025)—Moore College of Art & Design (“Moore”) is proud to present Denim Reparations, a solo exhibition from Moore Fashion Design alumna and 2024-2025 Walentas Faculty Fellow Jakia March ‘08. This powerful collection of apparel and paintings explores the intersections of familial bonds, loss, dreams and abstraction through the use of upcycled and reclaimed denim. The exhibition will be on view at The Galleries at Moore from March 28–April 11, 2025.
Through layers of denim, deliberate brushwork and deeply personal tapestries, March honors the legacies of those who came before her, threading their stories into new, reimagined forms. March deconstructs and reconstructs denim into formalwear, creating a striking centerpiece evoking the imagery of a bride and groom. Interwoven with this work are quilt squares inspired by Underground Railroad-era textiles, a nod to the role of quilts as both an artistic and coded language in Black oral history. Another highlight of the exhibition is Talley & Sons, a reimagining of a cherished family photograph depicting the artist's father, grandfather and uncle. This compelling piece exemplifies March's ability to capture the dignity of Black men, images that fueled her early interest in fashion.
"Creating Denim Reparations has been an incredibly personal journey—one that reflects my family’s history, my artistic evolution and the resilience woven into every fiber of these materials. To have a solo exhibition at Moore, the place that shaped me as both a designer and an artist, is deeply meaningful,” March said. “Moore gave me the foundation to explore, challenge and push my creative boundaries, and I’m honored to return to share this work with the community that first nurtured my voice."
In addition to her fine art practice, March is the founder of Ingram Talley Design Studio in Los Angeles, CA. Her extensive experience in the fashion industry includes collaborations with Laquan Smith, A.L.C., Rachel Roy, Carter’s and Fabletics, as well as participation in New York Fashion Week and Harlem’s Fashion Row. March previously presented work in solo exhibitions in York, PA and Los Angeles, CA.
“As an alumna and our 2024 Walentas Faculty Fellow, Jakia March exemplifies the kind of artist and designer that we mold at Moore—thoughtful, innovative and deeply connected to their craft,” said Claudine Thomas, chief academic officer, Moore College of Art & Design. “Her work is a testament to the incredible skills she built here, blending technical excellence with personal and cultural storytelling. We are thrilled to host this exhibition and to see the profound impact she has on our students as a mentor and role model.”
An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at The Galleries at Moore at 5 pm. Attendees are asked to wear denim to the reception. To learn more about the event, click here.
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 Walentas Fellow & Artist-in-Residence, March continues to inspire and create.
About Moore College of Art & Design
Founded during the original industrial revolution to advance women in new fields, Moore College of Art & Design is the first and only historically women’s college for art and design. Our mission is more relevant than ever, as technology, sustainability and diverse cultures drive and disrupt new and existing industries. Through dynamic BFA and Graduate Studies programs, educational programs for creatively curious youth and professional adult learners, and our own public and dedicated space for contemporary art—The Galleries at Moore—we are influencers and advocates for breakthrough artists and designers of all ages and backgrounds. The world needs Moore. For more information about Moore, visit www.moore.edu and follow us on social media @moorecollegeart.
For press inquires, contact:
Gabi Stevenson
Communications Manager, Moore College of Art & Design
gstevenson@moore.edu | 610.551.8231
Michelle Brennan
Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Moore College
mbrennan@moore.edu | 215.209.351
