No. 71: Zak Foster - Artist, Southern White Amnesia

Zak Foster, a community-taught textile artist, joins host Kate Savage for an exploration of his exhibition "Southern White Amnesia" at the Morland Gallery, which delves into the family stories white Americans tell—and forget—about their historical roles in slavery. Zak describes how discovering records of his ancestors’ involvement in slavery became a catalyst for both his research and creative practice. He reflects on the process of confronting family denial, building kinship, and using quilting as a form of narrative repair. The episode touches on the tactile power of textiles, audience reactions to interactive pieces, and Zak’s commitment to channeling all proceeds from his work to scholarships at HBCUs, as a gesture of ancestral accountability and reparative action. Through fabric, Zak aims to crack open conversations about legacy, whiteness, and collective responsibility while honoring the ongoing work of mending and connection.

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