Old State Capitol State Historic Site

6th & Adams Streets, Springfield

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm

Closing date: Saturday September 12th 2026

Black art stands as a profound and enduring reflection of the Black experience, offering a truthful lens through which history, identity, and cultural memory are preserved and interpreted. Within museum spaces, these works serve not only as aesthetic achievements, but also as vital cultural documents that illuminate the complexities of Black life across generations. Through painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, Black artists articulate narratives that have often been overlooked or marginalized in traditional historical records.

The Old State Capitol becomes a space where viewers will encounter not only individual works, but also a broader cultural dialogue about identity, belonging, and historical truth. The artworks function as historical markers, documenting the social climates and cultural movements that have shaped Black communities over time. The artwork in this years’ exhibit connects past struggles with present realities while envisioning more equitable futures. In museum collections and art exhibitions, these works encourage audiences to reflect on how art can both record history and actively participate in shaping it. In this way, Black art contributes to a deeper and more inclusive understanding of the American narrative. NOIR VI: The Truth invites audiences to engage, thoughtfully, with the histories and perspectives that shape our shared cultural TRUTHS.

Bios:

Austin:

Hello! My name is Austin Wells. I am a Springfield, Illinois native, artist, curator, and advocate for the arts. During my college years at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I worked as both a museum curator and private gallery curator for professional artists, as well as college and high school art departments. These experiences helped shape my understanding of art as both a creative practice and a powerful tool for community engagement and dialogue.

My personal artistic practice centers on social commentary, challenging the ways Americans are represented in media and popular culture. Through my artwork and curatorial projects, I seek to challenge stereotypes, confront misconceptions and create visual dialogues that promote inclusion, beauty, and understanding. I believe art has the unique ability to connect people through shared experiences while encouraging critical reflection and meaningful conversation.

This year marks my third year serving as a curator of the Noir exhibition series. It has been an incredible honor to help create a platform that celebrates Black artists, preserves cultural narratives, and fosters authentic conversations through art. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue this work and as both an artist and curator, I remain committed to using art as a vehicle for storytelling, representation, and connection.

Jaliyah:

Hey family, my name is Jaliyah Ross. I am a multi-faceted artist and visionary, born and raised on the South Side of Chicago for a portion of my life, and raised in Springfield, Illinois up until now. I’ve been into the arts since I was a “jit”; today all of my passion, God-given gifts, and experiences have manifested and grown to lead me exactly where I stand today. For the past seven years, I have worked full-time as a licensed esthetician, while also serving as a photographer, event curator, and model whenever contacted to do so. When it comes to creating, you can always find me a part of things that are purposeful and fruitful.

I am especially honored to be a part of Noir. Because well, if you know you know, although I have love for everyone, I’m ALL for my people. Having the opportunity to help curate a space where the black community is given a platform to express the truth openly without restriction is truly amazing. My hope for this year’s show is that nothing is left unsaid, unfelt, or unmoved. Although we STILL await justice and reparations, one thing we can continue to do is shake the rooms we walk in and let our light shine before others. Even though we tend to do that naturally, during exhibitions like Noir, we get to be more intentional with our greatness. So to all that are viewing and a part of Noir Vl: The Truth, I urge you to enjoy the show, connect, and be inspired. I certainly am.