vanessa german's '…do you remember when you were the sky?' at Speed Art Museum

Vanessa German's exhibition titled '…do you remember when you were the sky?' was showcased at the Chellgren Gallery within the Speed Art Museum from April 10 to August 9, 2026. This exhibit drew inspiration from the nearly forgotten narratives of girls who fled the Colored Girls' Dormitory in 1913. In a conversation with Brendon Bell-Roberts, German revealed that the title emerged from a vision and discussed her artistic approach, which emphasizes listening as a means of engagement. She highlighted the significance of intuition and spiritual practices in her work, which blends sculpture, performance, community involvement, and spiritual contemplation. Many pieces featured contributions from locals in Louisville, with participant marks transformed into wall art. Her sculptures, made from cowrie shells, crystals, quilts, and found objects, convey themes of freedom and transformation. German wishes for attendees to contemplate the boundless possibilities and the injustice of limiting others' imaginations. This interview was featured in Art Africa Magazine.