Dover, DE – The Biggs Museum of American Art proudly unveils “Rozeal.: Want Not (Rescue from the Otherwise Obscene, Salvation from the Wicked)”, a powerful exhibition running from October 3, 2024, through March 2, 2025. Known for her unique fusion of Japanese woodblock printing techniques with American hip-hop and voguing cultures, Rozeal.’s art creates an immersive narrative that explores complex characters and cross-cultural identities. Her work has been exhibited around the world and is featured in prominent museum collections, including the National Gallery of Art.
Rozeal.’s larger-than-life multimedia paintings and collages blend samurai, geisha, and kabuki imagery with vibrant elements of contemporary pop culture, autobiography, and folklore. Drawing from a wide array of influences—from J.R.R. Tolkien to the artist’s own experiences growing up during the civil rights movement in Washington, D.C.—Rozeal.’s works depict a rich tapestry of mythologies that feel both fantastical and relatable.
“Rozeal.: Want Not” focuses on a series of characters developed since 2007, highlighting intimate moments among female figures navigating friendship, romance, and self-discovery. The exhibition speaks to the universal pressures facing young women today as they seek authenticity and support within their communities.
Rozeal, formerly iona rozeal brown, is celebrated for her signature a3 works (Afro-Asiatic Allegories) that address cultural appropriation and identity. Her acclaimed “Blackface paintings” explored Japanese ganguro fashion’s adoption of American hip-hop aesthetics in the 1990s. She is also connected to Benny Ninja and the House of Ninja, having been involved in early voguing events in the U.S., which influenced her dynamic and performative work. The exhibition will feature a video of Rozeal.’s 2011 performance “Battle of Yestermore”—a voguing-inspired performance—showcasing costumes and artwork connected to her vibrant stage characters.
The exhibition will include a selection of paintings from private collections and from Keyes Art, a New York art gallery that represents the artist. Additionally, Rozeal. will complete three paintings on-site at the Biggs during museum hours, offering a unique glimpse into her creative process. Details on the artist’s schedule will be available on the museum’s website (www.theBiggsMuseum.org).
Opening Reception:
Join us on Thursday, October 3, from 6 – 8 PM to celebrate the exhibition’s launch. The event is free for museum members and $15 for the general public ($10 with pre-registration via the museum’s website).
Location & Hours:
The Biggs Museum of American Art is located at 406 Federal Street, Dover, DE, and is open Thursday – Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM.
About the Biggs Museum of American Art
Founded in 1993, the Biggs Museum is known for its distinguished collection of American art and decorative arts from the 1700s to today. As a nonprofit organization, The Biggs engages visitors through vibrant exhibitions and educational programming, fostering creativity and a love of art in the community. Visit www.thebiggsmuseum.org for more information.