Paper Stories, Layered Dreams


Ekua Holmes, Golden (detail), 2009. Collage of cut and torn printed and painted papers with acrylic paint on paper. Collection of the artist. © Ekua Holmes.


Ekua Holmes, Golden (detail), 2009. Collage of cut and torn printed and painted papers with acrylic paint on paper. Collection of the artist. © Ekua Holmes.
Illustrating histories through portraits of radiance and resilience
A lifelong resident of Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, Ekua Holmes (b. 1955) is an artist and community activist whose body of work explores themes of childhood, family bonds, memory, and resilience. This exhibition focuses on her award-winning children’s book illustrations—vibrant collages revealing stories of self-determination, love, and community that reflect the artist’s distinctive vision and commitment to Black imagery and representation.
The more than 40 works on view include original illustrations from Holmes’s published book projects: Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement (2015) by Carole Boston Weatherford, Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets (2017) by Kwame Alexander, and Black Is a Rainbow Color (2020) by Angela Joy. The exhibition also features a selection of Holmes’s luminous illustrations for the recently released book Saving American Beach (2021) by Heidi Tyline King—on view for the first time—as well as a selection of her independent work, including portrait installation pieces. Interpretive materials include a video interview with the artist and a group of wall texts written by teen participants in the MFA’s Curatorial Study Hall program.
In a time of significant diversification of children’s literature, Holmes and her artistic vision are part of the vital change embraced by this generation’s publishing industry. By daring to challenge norms and push boundaries, new literary and visual narratives are being created for all children to explore and see themselves. Influenced by the artist’s life experiences, familial connections, and friendships, Holmes’s artwork is an invitation for all to see the world anew.
- Herb Ritts Gallery (Gallery 169)
- Clementine Brown Gallery (Gallery 170)

Ekua Holmes, Dance, 2016
Illustration to Out of Wonder. Collage of found and painted papers. Collection of the artist. © Ekua Holmes.

Ekua Holmes, Looking Back, 2014
Illustration to Voice of Freedom. Collage of found and painted papers on board. Collection of the artist. © Ekua Holmes.

Ekua Holmes, Precarious, 2017
Collage of found and painted papers. On loan from Kamil and Jake Shields. © Ekua Holmes.

Ekua Holmes, Golden, 2009
Collage of found and painted papers. Collection of the artist. © Ekua Holmes.

Ekua Holmes, Sufficient Grace: Ms. Ivy Beckles, 2009
Collage of found and painted papers on canvas. From the collection of Dr. Patricia A. Fraser. © Ekua Holmes

Ekua Holmes, Chain of Courage, 2015
Collage of found and painted papers. Collection of the artist. © Ekua Holmes.

Ekua Holmes, Jazz, 2016
Illustration to Out of Wonder. Collage of found and painted papers. Collection of the artist. © Ekua Holmes.

Ekua Holmes, Matter of Time, 2006
Collage of found and painted papers. Boston Children’s Hospital. © Ekua Holmes.

Ekua Holmes, Sunflower, 2014
Illustration to Voice of Freedom. Collage of found and painted papers and fabric. Collection of the artist. © Ekua Holmes.

Ekua Holmes, Black is Beautiful, 2014
Illustration to Voice of Freedom. Collage of found and painted papers and fabric. Collection of the artist. © Ekua Holmes.