Southern Narratives Come Alive in Najee Dorsey’s New Exhibit at BAIA

The 2024 Met Gala spotlighted dandyism, while films like “Sinners” illuminated Southern aesthetics, leading to a resurgence of interest in visual artist Najee Dorsey. His latest exhibition, “From Beale Street to Bourbon Street,” launched on May 22 and will continue until July 19 at Black Art In America in East Point. This collection delves into the intricate narrative quilt originating from the American South, showcasing nearly two decades of Dorsey’s artistic evolution through paintings, mixed media, and installations. The exhibition encapsulates a vibrant narrative where blues legends and conjure women evoke ancestral memories. Notable works, including "Time Traveler" and an immersive juke joint installation, underscore cultural intersections. This exhibition emerges at a significant moment, paralleling the rise of Black dandyism and the compelling narratives within “Sinners.”