On September 5th, 2025, I attended the opening of Elizabeth Prophet's exhibit titled "I Will Not Bend An Inch" at Spelman College's art museum. This semester I began taking a multi-media art class, and although this trip to the museum was not for class credit, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the different mediums Prophet toyed with in this exhibition, such as sculpture and gold leaf. My favorite piece was this gold mask that was intricately detailed and well-proportioned all around. I don't often like masks like this one, but the smooth texture of its gold leafing and its slightly upturned smile all make this such a beautiful display of Prophet's workmanship. I wish that there were more pieces like this one that told her story of resistance and persistence amidst adversity. I loved the quote that was plastered on the wall beside this mask: "I am only obeying a command which is stronger than myself, even in the face of what may seem discouraging conditions, I cannot stop, I must go on. Someday people will realize that this is my medium of expression" (Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, 1927). This is a mantra that I will continue to repeat to myself as my college semesters become more challenging, and as life demands greater responsibility from me.
- Alyssa Amaker
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