Those Bones: Atlanta, GA 1979, a visual lamentation of ‘Atlanta Child Murders’ by Dawn Williams Boyd finds a home at the High Museum of Art Atlanta.    

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

ATLANTA, GEORGIA- The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, has acquired a significant piece by artist Dawn Williams Boyd. Titled Those Bones: Atlanta, GA 1979, this artwork holds profound historical and cultural significance, especially within the context of Atlanta’s past. According to the Fort Gansevoort Gallery in New York, this acquisition was made possible by a generous gift from Shari Behnke.

Those Bones: Atlanta, GA 1979 serves as a visual lamentation of the tragic events known as the ‘Atlanta Child Murders.’ Between 1979 and 1981, a series of kidnappings and murders shocked the nation. The tragic event claimed the lives of approximately 29 Black American children, teens, and young adults, predominantly boys. The FBI investigation into this grim chapter in Atlanta’s history culminated in the conviction of Wayne Bertram Williams for two of the murders in 1982. Following the trial, law enforcement linked Williams to an additional 20 of the 29 murders.

The Essence of Grief

In Boyd’s poignant cloth painting, she captures the essence of grief. She portrays the mother of one of the victims as absolutely distraught. She wails profusely as she laments her dead son. None of the people around her are able to console her. Not even the two women, who may also be dealing with their own tragedies, could calm her down. In a corner of the painting, a figure in red appears totally lost in anguish. One of her eyes is red from endless crying. Additionally, judging by her expression, she appears resigned to fate. The title artwork references Toni Cade Bambara’s novel Those Bones Are Not My Child, published in 1999. Edited by Toni Morrison, the book delves into the harrowing accounts of the ‘Atlanta Child Murders.’

Those Bones: Atlanta, GA 1979: A Grim Chapter

About Dawn Williams Boyd

Born in 1952 in Neptune, New Jersey, Boyd currently resides and practices her art in Atlanta, Georgia. Her journey as an artist took a significant turn in 2009, when she retired from a career with a major airline. The objective was to focus on her art full-time. Moving to Atlanta in 2010 was a pivotal decision that allowed her to immerse herself in the local art scene and further hone her craft.

Boyd’s earned a BFA in studio art from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, in 1974. Her work is famous for its innovative approach to quilt-making, which she refers to as ‘cloth paintings.’ These textile compositions intricately weave together historical references, contemporary events, and religious motifs. They often portray pivotal moments in African American history and everyday life.

Boyd was active in several Black visual artists collectives, including ULOZI and Sankofa Art Collective in Denver, Colorado (1989-2010). She is presently a member of (African Americans for the Arts (AAFTA) in Atlanta, Georgia. She has a deep commitment to fostering artistic excellence and cultural dialogue.

The Significance of the High Museum Acquisition

The acquisition of Those Bones: Atlanta, GA 1979 by the High Museum underscores the importance of preserving and commemorating historical narratives through art. The pains of families and friends are so visceral in this artwork. Boyd’s work not only pays tribute to the lives lost during a dark chapter in Atlanta’s past but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the community that endured such tragedy.

In all, Boyd’s Those Bones: Atlanta, GA 1979 is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of art in preserving memory and fostering dialogue. Its acquisition by the High Museum cements its place as a significant work of art. Above all, it reflects and commemorates a pivotal moment in history.

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