Art in the Atrium Exhibition: Lost and Found A Discussion on Innocence and Consciousness by Sabrina Tillman McGowens

What is lost, and what is found, as childhood innocence gives way to an awareness of how the world sees us?

Through compelling portraits of young African American girls and poignant still-life paintings of once-cherished dolls, Lost and Found explores the delicate transition from childhood innocence to self-awareness and identity. The exhibition's title reflects both the innocence and freedom that can be lost as young girls encounter societal expectations, racial stereotypes, and cultural pressures, and the confidence, self-love, and sense of identity they can discover and reclaim along the way.

Both tender and thought-provoking, Sabrina Tillman McGowens' exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the powerful influence of representation, family, and cultural identity in shaping young Black girls' perceptions of themselves and their possibilities. Ultimately, Lost and Found is a celebration of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of empowering the next generation to embrace who they are and all they can…