We loved 30 Americans at the Columbia Museum of Art, so we were excited to head back to Columbia to check out its companion exhibition, 22 South Carolinians. While 30 Americans closed on Jan. 17, visitors can enjoy 22 South Carolinians through May 22.

Sponsored by CMA affinity group FAAAC, 22 South Carolinians highlights Black artists who have been shaped by their experiences in SC and spans a variety of mediums (think: painting, photography, mixed media, and even 3D animation) and movements, like Afrofuturism.

Featured artists include Cameron Alexander, Tarleton Blackwell, Jai-Anna Carter, Ija Charles, Robert Coffey, Angela Corbett, Michael Dantzler, B. Dukes, Raishad Glover, Malik Greene, Sanford Greene, Tonya Gregg, Roni Henderson-Day, Terry K. Hunter, Dogon Krigga, Ernest "Chicken Man" Lee, J. Renee, Ce Scott-Fitts, Isaac Udogwu, Cedric Umoja, Sabrina White, and Thomas the Younger.

What we tried:

We were lucky to tour the exhibition with its curator, Jackie Adams, who shared a wealth of knowledge about the pieces and artists included. For a similar deep dive into 22 South Carolinians, we highly recommend checking out the CMA’s Binder Podcast — episode 9 features Jackie and artist J. Renee, and a recently dropped bonus episode with artist Isaac Udogwu delves into animation and NFTs.*

What not to miss:

This Thurs., Feb. 3 is First Thursday on Main, and the CMA is hosting its first installment of the 22 South Carolinians Salon Series. Kicking off with a Love, Tito’s happy hour at 5:30, attendees can enjoy a conversation with exhibition artists Raishad Glover, Dogon Krigga, Isaac Udogwu, and Cedric Umoja from 6:30-8 p.m.

The first of three events — all happening for free during First Thursday — this week’s Salon Series will be moderated by Kyle C. Coleman (read: the Fine Arts Manager for ArtFields) and explore the topic of Afrofuturism.

What we’re still talking about:

You’ve probably seen the work of Columbia-based artist Sanford Greene, who is known for his work with Marvel comics. Concept art and covers from Greene’s original project Bitter Root, created with David F. Walker and Chuck Brown, is featured in 22 South Carolinians, and we’re not the only ones who love it. The series caught the eye of Ryan Coogler (read: the director of Black Panther) and is now being made into a feature film directed by the one and only Regina King.

How you can experience this:

22 South Carolinians will be on display through May 22 (hint: just remember the number 22) — in the meantime, you can get a sneak peek on our Instagram Story.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: 22 South Carolinians at the Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia, SC
Price: Free. General museum admission: $10 for adults, $8 for adults 65+, $5 for youth
Website: https://www.columbiamuseum.org/view/22-south-carolinians
Address: 1515 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201
Hours: Tues.-Wed. + Fri.-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; closed Mon.
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