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Phillip Townsend, PhD

@philntheblank

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Curator, Art Historian, Good Time Haver
*views + opinions are my own*

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The final element of the multi-part project 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦: 𝘈 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘌𝘤𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺, 1924–2024 is now available for pre-order! Join us in celebrating the release of the catalog with our own Phillip A. Townsend, the curator of 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 and the editor of this volume; the contributing artists and scholars; the AGBS staff; and the generous supporters who made it all possible.

Come to The Contemporary Austin on Wed., July 15, at 6 p.m. to preview the book and get a discount code for 40% off! Event info and catalog pre-order links in bio.

ABOUT 𝘛𝘙𝘈𝘕𝘚𝘊𝘌𝘕𝘋𝘌𝘕𝘊𝘌

“More than an exhibition, 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 was a declaration—a celebration of the radical elation and complexity of Black queer life. It foregrounded ecstasy not as an aberration, nor as mere excess, but as a vital, life-affirming force founded in intimacy, creativity, and spirituality.” —Phillip A. Townsend

Starting as an exhibition in January 2025, 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 widened its research impact with a symposium where artists, scholars, and curators convened at The University of Texas at Austin to explore the ideas presented in the exhibition and share insights from their respective scholarly and creative practices.

After this in-person exchange and deeper research, the participants wrote catalog essays on the exhibition’s themes: Portraiture, Beyond Figuration, Dance and Movement, Spirituality, Sex and Sensuality, Black Queer Futures, and Altered States.

𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 is published by
The University of Texas Press
for AGBS, with contributions by:

Nessette Falu
Lola Flash
Laura G. Gutierréz
Texas Isaiah
Omi Osun Joni L. Jones
Amber Jamilla Musser
Makeda C. Paul
Phillip A. Townsend
Omise’eke Natasha Tinsley
Natalie Willis Whylly
Hershini Young

Cover: Bre’Ann White

Lead support for 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 was provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art, the Mellon Foundation Affirming Multivocal Humanities initiative, & AGBS. We also thank our donors, Marquand Books & UT partners: the Visual Arts Center, Humanities Institute, and academic departments supporting this work. Book cover for "Transcendence: A Century of Black Queer Ecstasy, 1924–2024" that has a pink background and a figure with eyes closed and head tilted up and back. by @philntheblank

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3 months ago

Join us on Sunday, October 25th, from 2 - 3:30 pm for a Public Curator Tour of our current exhibition 𝙈𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙨 with our Curator of Art, Dr. Phillip A. Townsend! This event is free and open to the public. RSVP at the link in our bio!

📷: Thomas Meredith A group of diverse adults engaged in a guided tour at the Christian-Green Gallery, discussing art pieces on a poster for an event slated for October 25, 2026 by @philntheblank

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8 days ago

Another look at José Villalobos in Made in Texas at The University of Texas at Austin. If you are in Austin, make sure to see the show!

Bringing together 17 works by Texas-born artists, the exhibition looks at Texas through histories of migration, labor, industry, memory, identity, and place.

On view through December 5, 2026, at Christian-Green Gallery and Idea Lab. Curated by Phillip A. Townsend, Ph.D.

Made in Texas, installation view. Christian-Green Gallery, AGBS, The University of Texas at Austin, September 4–December 5, 2026. Photo: Mark Doroba.

#artinaustin #contemporaryartaustin #josevillalobos #artgallerydallas #utaustin taken in Art Galleries at Black Studies by @philntheblank

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16 days ago

I’m beyond thrilled to celebrate the publication of Transcendence: A Century of Black Queer Ecstasy, 1924-20241
What began as a vision has become something so much greater—a vibrant testament to the beauty, brilliance, joy, creativity, resistance, and boundless imagination of Black queer life across generations. Seeing this book out in the world is both surreal and deeply affirming.
This moment belongs to so many people. Endless thanks to every artist, writer, scholar, archivist, collaborator, editor, designer, supporter, and friend who poured their gifts, passion, trust, and care into making this publication possible. Your brilliance lives on every page, and I am profoundly grateful to have shared this journey with you.
Here’s to honoring those who came before us, celebrating the magic of the present, and dreaming boldly toward the futures we continue to create together.
I can’t wait for this book to find its way into your hands. Here’s to Transcendence! @igshaan.adams @aaliyah_amazing @alvin_baltrop_archive @jebmedia @mabooker_art @damiendavis @vaginaldavis_official @kendrickdaye @flashnine9 @vanessalgerman @naimagreen @jeregrier @lyleashtonharris @nadiahuggins @rich_nels @richardelewis4 @troymmichie @muholizanele @devinnmorris @rashaadnewsome @wuraogunji @lovieolivia @makedacpaul @alphabet_party @shikeith @devanshimoyama @kingtexas @tourmaliiine @blkboyshine @mickalenethomas @breannwhite @dueyart @carlajwms @ajamux #richmondbarthé #vivianebrowne #beverlybuchanan @rotimifanikayode #beauforddelaney #juliemehretu by @philntheblank

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3 months ago

José Villalobos is included in Made in Texas, a group exhibition curated by Phillip A. Townsend, Ph.D., at the Art Galleries at Black Studies at The University of Texas at Austin.

Bringing together 17 works by Texas-born artists, Made in Texas considers the state as a complex cultural force shaped by history, politics, migration, labor, industry, and memory. Rather than presenting Texas through a single narrative, the exhibition explores how identity, place, and belonging are continually formed and contested.

José’s work will be presented alongside artists including Ja’Tovia Gary, Robert Hodge, Deborah Roberts, Robert Pruitt, Charisse Pearlina Weston, and more.

Opening Reception
Thursday, September 3, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Christian-Green Gallery, Jester A232
Free and open to the public
On view September 4 through December 5, 2026, across Christian-Green Gallery and Idea Lab.

José Villalobos, La Espera, 2023. Mixed media, 6 × 7 × 3 ft

@josevillalobosart @galleriesatut @philntheblank

#artaustin #galleriesatut #josevillalobos #contemporaryartdallas #dallasart taken in Art Galleries at Black Studies by @philntheblank

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3 months ago

I’m deeply saddened by the passing of the incredible artist Mel Edwards. His legacy is immeasurable—his work reshaped the language of sculpture and left a lasting impact on the art world and on all of us who had the privilege to experience it.

I feel profoundly grateful to have worked with Mel on his solo exhibition Melvin Edwards: WIRE(D) and CHAIN(ED) at @galleriesatut in 2022, and even more so for the continued conversations, generosity, and friendship that followed. He shared so much—his wisdom, his curiosity, his unwavering commitment to truth and expression.

Knowing Mel over the years has forever changed me. His presence, his voice, and his vision will stay with me always. My heart is with everyone who knew and loved him, and with all those who have been moved by his work. His legacy lives on. taken in Christian Green Gallery by @philntheblank

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7 months ago

Feeling incredibly grateful for friends who create magic. Thank you, Stephen Mills and my date, Brent Hasty, for the invitation to experience the world premiere of MARIE ANTOINETTE: VAMPIRE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES—what an unforgettable night.

Stephen, your work is conceptually brilliant—bold, imaginative, and completely transporting. Every element came together so beautifully: the movement, the music, the costuming, the set design… all of it felt so intentional and mesmerizing.

It was also such a gift to hear you, Graham, and Michael speak about your inspirations and creative process—your care and thoughtfulness in shaping such a stunning experience was deeply felt.

I’m so lucky to have friends who make such extraordinary art. Truly inspired. ✨ taken in Long Center for the Performing Arts by @philntheblank

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7 months ago

Started the day the best way we know how — a quick breakfast at Bagel Pub @bagelpub Nothing fancy, just good coffee and a warm toasted bagel to ease into the morning.

Afterward, took a slow stroll through a snow-covered Central Park — everything quiet and sparkling, the city softened under a blanket of white. It felt peaceful and a little magical, the perfect pause before the rest of our day.

From there, we headed to the matinee showing of ‘Ragtime’ with my hubby and my very good Judy, Julia @jbird7210 . The show was spectacular — powerful, moving, and heartbreakingly relevant. In a time filled with so much anti-immigrant rhetoric and violence, its message of dignity, justice, and hope felt especially necessary. Art that reminds us who we are (and who we should be) is such a gift.

We ended our Valentine’s Day with a special dinner at La Grande Boucherie. The space is absolutely gorgeous — all glow and glamour — and somehow made my duck confit taste even better. Sharing that meal, surrounded by so much beauty and love, was the perfect close to a meaningful day.

Full hearts, full bellies, and so grateful for love, friendship, stories, and experiences that move us forward. #valentinesday #theatrelove taken in New York, New York by @philntheblank

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8 months ago

Started the morning the right way: a top notch matcha latte from Cha Cha Matcha @chachamatcha in NoMad — earthy, smooth, and exactly the kind of ritual that makes you slow down and savor the moment.
From there, uptown to the Bronx for a beautiful, brisk day on Arthur Avenue. The chill in the air made it perfect for wandering in and out of Italian bakeries, breathing in the scent of fresh bread and espresso, and lingering over lunch at a true neighborhood staple—Zero Otto Nove @zeroottonove
The day crescendoed with an unforgettable conversation between artists Mara Brock Akil @marabrockakil and Deborah Roberts @rdeborah191 at Flag Art Foundation @flagartfoundation . They spoke with such honesty about visibility, vulnerability, strength, resiliency, and love — the kind of dialogue that lingers long after the applause fades. It was powerful. Grounding. Necessary.
Ending this day feeling full — not just from the food, but from gratitude. For friends old and new. For brave, boundary-breaking work. For art that tells the truth. For love that shows up boldly. taken in New York, New York by @philntheblank

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8 months ago

Still feeling inspired after celebrating the success of Deborah Roberts: The Consequences of being at The FLAG Art Foundation.

There’s a particular kind of joy in being surrounded by creative and fearless minds—artists who challenge, collectors who believe, curators who shape vision, and supporters who sustain it all.

Honored to share space with so many individuals I’ve long admired from afar. Moments like this remind me why art matters—and why community matters even more. taken in Soho House New York by @philntheblank

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8 months ago

Just visited Deborah Roberts: Consequences of Being at The FLAG Art Foundation @flagartfoundation and I’m still sitting with it. This exhibition is incredibly moving—layered, piercing, and deeply human. Roberts continues to explore the complexity of Black childhood and identity with such care and power, confronting the projections, biases, and histories that shape how Black bodies are seen and treated.

Right now—at a time when people’s histories are being rewritten, distorted, and erased—this presentation feels especially urgent and necessary. These works insist on visibility. They refuse erasure. They demand that we look, reckon, and do better.

Congratulations to @rdeborah191 on this extraordinary exhibition. And thank you for always doing the work—making Black people’s experiences visible, holding space for truth, and challenging the world to be more honest, more accountable, and more humane. Go see this show. 💗✊🏿💕🙌🏿💗👏🏿 taken in The FLAG Art Foundation by @philntheblank

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8 months ago

#Repost @galleriesatut with @use.repost
・・・
Join us at our Opening Reception for Carrie Mae Weems | Something Grander Still ⭐ We will be celebrating at the Christian Green Gallery from 5 - 8 pm. Free and open to the public with food and refreshments! RSVP at the 🔗 in our bio.

AGBS’s Idea Lab will be open to the public as well, but no reception will be held there.

See you soon! taken in Christian Green Gallery by @philntheblank

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9 months ago