Black Utopias: Black Distractions + Disruptions in Time Space is a design research project looking at systems of oppression and resistance through black and white logo designs and illustrations that use the emptiness of white gallery walls as the backdrop for extracting black resistance commentary. The systems examined springboard a burgeoning theory compromised of Black-created systems that can function as a form of Black liberation government in lieu of Black Reparations, justice, and failed integration.

Funding was generously provided by the TN Arts Commission Art Access Program, Arts & Culture Alliance, Knox County, the Department of the Treasury, Jerry’s Artarama, and UTK co-sponsorship from the Department of Africana Studies, Multicultural Student Life at the Frieson Black Cultural Center, the Office of Community Engagement and Outreach, the School of Design, UT Libraries, and the School of Art Programming Committee.