FloridaRAMA is excited to present "Excavating Self: Retrieving and Reinventing," a compelling solo show by mixed media artist Latonya Hicks. This exhibition, running from March 1st to April 30th, 2025, showcases Hicks's thought-provoking wall-mounted assemblages that explore themes of memory, identity and transformation. Coinciding with Women's History Month, this exhibition at FloridaRAMA celebrates the narratives of womanhood, legacy and cultural connection through the personal lens of Latonya Hicks.
Latonya Hicks: An Artist's Journey of Self-Discovery
In "Excavating Self: Retrieving and Reinventing," Latonya Hicks takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery and preservation. Her artistic process, described as a form of archaeology, involves uncovering and reimagining fragments of personal and cultural histories. Hicks transforms found, gifted and discarded artifacts into visual stories of connection, discovery and legacy.
This series is especially poignant as Hicks navigates life without her family's matron historians. Her works resonate with nostalgia, celebrating vibrant patterns, keepsakes and the warmth of her grandmothers—her "leading ladies"—whose kitchens were sanctuaries of power, love and identity. Through a unique blend of autobiography and fiction, Hicks's assemblages capture the complexities of identity and memory, reflecting a fractured yet evolving wholeness.
The Art of Excavation and Reinvention
"For me, creating art is akin to archaeology—a process of discovery and preservation," Hicks explains. "I invite the audience on a journey of excavation and reinvention—a metaphorical archaeological dig into my experiences and shared histories. By unearthing material remnants of others, I create meaningful connections between objects that represent lived experiences."
Hicks's artistic inspiration draws from a variety of sources. She finds inspiration in Joseph Cornell's poetic assemblages, Mickalene Thomas's reclamation of identity and Betye Saar's interweaving of memory and spirituality. Her formative years, deeply influenced by her grandmothers' homes in Macon, Georgia, serve as a continued source of self-discovery in her art.
[1] In Every Memory I’ll Chase Your Echo
[2] We Have Had to Love In Order to Live...Love Has Been Our Survival
Latonya Hicks: Artist and Educator
Beyond her artistic practice, Latonya Hicks is a dedicated educator, serving as the Secondary Visual Art Coordinator for Pinellas County Schools. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, affiliated with Tufts University and has significantly impacted K-12 art education. Recognized for her leadership, she has held prominent roles, including President of the Florida Art Education Association and National Art Education Association Secondary Division Director-Elect. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Tampa Bay area, earning accolades such as Best in Show and a Creative Pinellas Arts Impact Fund Recipient.
Experience "Excavating Self" at FloridaRAMA
Don't miss the opportunity to experience "Excavating Self: Retrieving and Reinventing" by Latonya Hicks at FloridaRAMA.
Exhibition Details:
Exhibition Dates: March 1 – April 30, FREE to view
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 8, 6-8 pm
A Conversation with Latonya Hicks: Thursday, April 3, 6-8 pm, FREE to attend
Location: FloridaRAMA Gallery: 2606 Fairfield Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
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