New ‘Figuratively Speaking’ exhibit at MW Gallery highlights artworks that tell a story

FLINT, Michigan — On Friday, Feb. 14, MW Gallery unveiled ‘Figuratively Speaking,’ a compelling new exhibition that highlights the expressive power of the human form in visual storytelling. The exhibit features a collection of artworks that delve into themes of identity, social commentary, and emotional expression.

Art has long served as a powerful means of communication, particularly when words fall short. The artists showcased in ‘Figuratively Speaking‘ use body language, gestures, and facial expressions to convey layered narratives — some fully formed, others inviting the viewer’s interpretation.

The exhibition draws from the extensive Mott-Warsh Collection which includes works in various media by acclaimed artists such as Robert Arneson, Emilio Cruz, Richard Hunt, Ayanna Jackson, Isaac Julien, Titus Kaphar, Jacob Lawrence, Carolyn Mazloomi, Joshua Rainer, Amy Sherald, Mickalene Thomas, and Deborah Willis, among others.

A highlight of the exhibit is the MW Black Box Gallery’s feature presentation: ‘Smile‘ (2001/2016) by renowned artist Kehinde Wiley. This four-channel video installation captures young men in New York City smiling continuously for an hour, a performance that explores endurance, discomfort, and the societal expectation to appear happy.

Wiley initially created ‘Smile‘ as part of his MFA studies at Yale University and revisited the project 15 years later, deepening its impact.

Visitors can experience ‘Figuratively Speaking‘ from now through Aug. 23, 2025. The gallery is open to the public with free admission.

MW Gallery is located at 815 S. Saginaw St. (with entrance on E. Court St.​​​​​​) and welcomes visitors on Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and during the Flint ARTWALK on the second Friday of each month from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. For more information, visit m-wc.org online or call (810) 835-4900.