From Alpha to Creation: Religion in the Deep South

For the first time, the North Carolina Museum of Art (in Raleigh) and the North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA), present a shared exhibition on both campuses, bringing awareness of global artists to audiences across our state. Examining place and theology from North Carolina to eastern Texas, From Alpha to Creation: Religion in the Deep South explores the ideological relationships among various belief systems, highlighting the blending of spiritual practices throughout our daily lives.

The exhibition distinguishes itself from antiquated or heavily stereotyped studies of Southern culture that often disregard our complexities. It instead focuses on the spiritual innovations that allow many of us to maintain a dedicated relationship with our religious heritages, from Abrahamic denominations to composite belief systems like Hoodoo. For many artists throughout the exhibition—who originated or worked extensively in the region—the South represents a unique context for religious expression reflected by our racial, political, and economic structures.

Opening Reception: Thursday, February 15, 2024 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Potter Gallery