Sophia Victor’s ‘Ekklesia’ Honors Black Church Traditions

Brooklyn-based visual artist Sophia Victor is celebrating the success of her solo exhibition, ‘Ekklesia’ (pronounced ek-klay-see-ah), which recently concluded at The Bishop Gallery. Curated by Teddy raShaan reeves, Ph.D., from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, the exhibit delves into the profound importance of African American communal spaces, particularly church gatherings and their rich traditions.

Finding Purpose Through Art and Faith

Inspired by the ancient Greek term ‘Ekklesia,’ adopted by early Christians, Victor’s work explores the dual nature of church communities—both uplifting and challenging. Her personal journey of finding a church home after leaving her former congregation heavily influenced the exhibition. “Since leaving my former church, [I] spent the year as a fly on the wall at different people’s ministries,” Victor shared, reflecting on her observations of worship services, congregational dynamics, and departures.

A Personal Journey at the Forefront

The opening reception was particularly significant for Victor, marking her first time creating deeply personal work. “Church was a place where I found purpose, but this was also a place where I had moments of being taken advantage of… It’s been a journey. But God is my why,” she explained. Her faith, she says, has been her driving force for over 20 years, guiding her purpose to serve people through her art. The ‘Ekklesia’ exhibition places this ‘why’ at the forefront.

Evoking Familiar Memories: Art as Connection

The exhibit resonated deeply with those familiar with the Black church experience, featuring elements like choir robes, church candy, and pews. Victor shared that the candy was a hit, with people frequently taking pieces. The choir robe, suggested by curator Teddy raShaan reeves, and the pew, which Victor initially included without a specific meaning, sparked varied interpretations among visitors. For Victor, the pew ultimately represented a commentary on her own journey.

Navigating the Art World with Faith-Based Work

Victor acknowledged the challenges of showcasing faith-based work in the contemporary art world, where Black spirituality and performance pieces are trending, but often accompanied by negative connotations surrounding Christianity. “My mindset is like, ‘okay, this is also where I come from, and you can’t necessarily love my work and then not want to hear about the why behind it,’” she stated. She credits The Bishop Gallery for helping her grow as an artist since 2017 and for warming up to the context of her work.

The Creative Process: From Brainstorm to Exhibition

The creative process for ‘Ekklesia’ involved extensive brainstorming, inspired by reeves’ question about the “material culture of church.” Victor recalled memories of microphones, drums, carpet, chairs, pews, tambourines, and fans, realizing that these elements held shared significance for many. Reeve’s encouragement to explore sculpture, a new medium for Victor, pushed her creatively. Despite last-minute challenges, like two pieces not making the final cut, the collaboration allowed Victor the freedom to grow as an artist.

The exhibition also featured a dance ensemble performing to “Goodness of God,” a moment that deeply moved attendees. Victor, who gave the dancers creative freedom, stepped back from a leadership role to support her friends and former mentees, highlighting the collective’s emphasis on shared leadership and community support.