Tomashi Jackson’s “Across the Universe” Illuminates the Interplay of Color, History, and Activism

27 May 2025

“Here at the Western World (Professor Windham’s Early 1970’s Classroom & the 1972 Second Baptist Church Choir), 2023.” Installation view, “Tomashi Jackson: Across the Universe,” at Tufts University Art Galleries. Photo: Mel Taing

Houston-born artist Tomashi Jackson returns to her roots with a compelling mid-career survey, Across the Universe, now on view at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston through March 29, 2026. This exhibition traverses the intersections of color theory, civil rights history, and personal narrative, offering a profound exploration of systemic inequities in American society.

While pursuing her MFA at Yale School of Art in the 2010s, Jackson observed striking parallels between the language of color theory and societal constructs of race. She noted that discussions around color perception often mirrored dialogues about race both being described as compulsory, discomforting, and socially constructed. This realization became a cornerstone of her artistic practice, leading her to employ vibrant hues and layered textures to dissect and challenge historical narratives .

The exhibition features a range of multimedia works that intertwine historical events with contemporary issues:

"Dajerria All Alone (Bolling v. Sharpe (District of Columbia)) (McKinney Pool Party)" (2016): This piece juxtaposes the 1954 Supreme Court decision that desegregated schools in Washington, D.C., with the 2015 incident involving 15-year-old Dajerria Becton, who was forcibly restrained by a police officer at a Texas pool party. Through this work, Jackson highlights the persistent struggles against racial injustice .

"Minute by Minute": A deeply personal tribute to her late mother, this mixed-media installation incorporates family photographs, a handcrafted walnut awning, and marble elements. The piece is named after The Doobie Brothers' 1978 album, a favorite of her mother's, symbolizing the enduring bond between them .

The Guardian

"Time and Space (1948 End of Voter Registration Line) (1965 LBJ Signs the Voting Rights Act)" (2020): This artwork layers images of Black voters from 1948 with President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act in 1965, underscoring the ongoing fight for electoral equity. Materials like soil from Ohio's Lucy Depp Park and Pentelic marble dust from Greece connect the piece to broader themes of democracy and civil rights .

Jackson's use of reclaimed materials such as brown paper bags, gauze, and election ephemera serves as a metaphor for the disposability and resilience of marginalized communities. These elements, combined with her vibrant color palette, create a tactile narrative that invites viewers to engage with the layered complexities of history and identity .

Adding another dimension to her practice, Jackson introduces her drag king alter ego, Tommy Tonight, in a video installation. This persona emerged as a form of grieving and homage to her mother, blending performance art with personal healing. Through Tommy Tonight, Jackson explores themes of gender, loss, and cultural expression .

Across the Universe marks a significant moment in Jackson's career, bringing her work full circle to her birthplace. The exhibition not only showcases her evolution as an artist but also reinforces her commitment to using art as a vehicle for social commentary and change. Visitors to the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston are invited to experience this immersive journey through color, history, and activism.