A Deeper Dive: Elizabeth Catlett Borderless Conversation

A Deeper Dive: Elizabeth Catlett Borderless Convo

Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM

In celebration of the exhibition, The Art of Elizabeth Catlett, the Wright Museum gathers panelists to discuss the legacy of Elizabeth Catlett. The conversation will focus on her fierce desire for freedom-making and her commitment to community activism. The exhibition features collected works of Catlett from historian and artist, Dr. Samella Lewis,' who was mentored by Catlett, and the exhibition celebrates the multi-generational impact Catlett had on artists throughout the Americas. In the discussion, panelists will draw on the activism and artwork by Catlett; her experiences of expatriation and migration to Mexico City during the McCarthy era; and the global networks of radicality she contributed to throughout her life. The panel explores cross-cultural identity, self-discovery, and the quiet transformation that happens when one amplifies global solidarity and collectivism in their artmaking.

Cost: Free

Meet the Panelists

Naima Mora

Naima Mora is a multidisciplinary artist whose career spans modeling, acting, writing, public speaking and directing, marking global influence and dynamic creative range. Trained in classical ballet at the Dance Theatre of Harlem while studying English at the City College of New York, she rose to international prominence after winning America’s Next Top Model in 2005 helping to lead the fashion industry’s shift toward diverse inclusion of “untraditional beauty.” 

She became the face of CoverGirl Cosmetics and went on to grace major international runways and publications including Elle, Cosmopolitan and Vogue Italia. Naima is a sought-after speaker at leading institutions, known for talks on personal empowerment, Buddhist theology and now her grandmother’s legacy as a filmmaker. She is the author of her critically acclaimed off-broadway one-woman show and Model Behavior, a university-touring book supported by brands such as Harvey Nichols and L’Oréal.

Taylor Renee Aldridge

Taylor Renee Aldridge is a curator, writer, and arts worker from Detroit, Michigan. In 2014, she co-founded ARTS.BLACK with writer Jessica Lynne, an online journal of art criticism from Black perspectives. Aldridge and Lynne are working on a forthcoming publication, tentatively titled Situation Critical: A Century of Black Arts Criticism, which will be co- published by ARTS.BLACK and CARA (Center for Art, Research, and Alliances) in Spring 2027. 

In Fall 2024, she assumed the role of Executive Director at Modern Ancient Brown Foundation, a charitable endeavor for artists and writers, founded by esteemed painter McArthur Binion. She is the former Visual Arts Curator and Program Manager at the California African American Museum (CAAM), and has organized exhibitions with CAAM, Detroit Institute of Arts, and Cranbrook Art Museum. Recent exhibitions include American Artist | Shaper of God: Apple Valley Autonomy (2025, CAAM) ; Simone Leigh (2024, CAAM & LACMA) Darol Olu Kae: Keeping Time (2023, CAAM); Chloë Bass | #sky #nofilter: Hindsight for A Future America (2023, CAAM) and Mario Moore | Enshrined: Presence and Preservation (2022, CAAM; 2021 Charles H. Wright Museum).

Taylor’s writing has appeared in numerous publications and catalogs. She has edited exhibition catalogs; Enunciated Life (CAAM, 2021) and Mario Moore | Enshrined: Presence + Preservation (Charles H. Wright Museum, 2021), and is the editor of All These Liberations: Women Artists in the Eileen Harris Norton Collection (Yale University Press, 2024). 

Taylor is the recipient of the 2016 Creative Capital | Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant for Short Form Writing and the 2019 Rabkin Foundation Award for Art Journalism. She holds an MLA from Harvard University with a concentration in Museum Studies and a BA from Howard University with a concentration in Art History. She proudly serves on the board of trustees at BULK Space in Detroit, Michigan.

James Charles Morris

James Charles Morris is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and art historian. His work delves into a range of themes, such as spirituality, familial ties, community connections, and identity. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Morris's artistic journey took off in his youth when he eagerly engaged in various creative projects, drawing inspiration from an array of sources, including movies, television, and literature. The culture of Detroit has had a profound impact on his artistic style and focus, establishing a unique bond between his creations and their influences. 

Throughout his career, Morris has explored various artistic paths. In 2008, he took a bold step into creative entrepreneurship by launching Definitive Style Exclusive, an apparel brand designed to inspire meaningful conversations through innovative designs and striking visuals. His talents also encompass numerous curatorial projects, leading to fruitful collaborations with various galleries and cultural institutions, including the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. 

As a fine artist, Morris constantly pushes the boundaries of his creative expression. Since 2019, Morris has focused on digital photo collage, using a unique montage technique that seamlessly combines his photography with richly textured environments. His work has graced esteemed venues such as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the International African American Museum. Drawing from his passion for art history and his deep connections to Detroit’s Black arts community, Morris launched The Detroit Exhibit in 2023. This platform is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the legacy of Detroit’s vibrant Black Arts community. 

Currently pursuing a BA in Art History at Wayne State University, Morris remains committed to exploring the interplay of societal dynamics and spirituality through his art, inviting viewers to engage deeply with his visual narratives.