the museum of african american art

Travels Through Blackness: The Ron Finley Collection of International Movie Posters, 1920s to 1970s is a unique exhibition that highlights posters spanning from well-known classic movies to more obscure African American films from the mid-20th century. The collection examines the evolution of the African American movie role, from white actors in black face, to servile roles as maids and porters, to a more well-rounded representation of African American society. This exhibit contains stunning examples of vintage poster design and typography, printed in offset and stone lithography, and includes posters from the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Ranging from a one-sheet 27" x 41" poster to a six-sheet 81" x 81" display, Travels Through Blackness includes approximately 30 framed posters from Ron Finley's extensive Midnight Matinee Collection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in exhibitions at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California African American Museum, Hollywood Entertainment, and Booth Western Art Museum. The exhibition will have strong educational elements for students, teachers, and the general public. The show aims to appeal to artists, designers, photographers, typographers, actors, historians, film students, film enthusiasts, and anyone with an appreciation for the arts.

Take a sneak peek at RON FINLEY's movie poster collection >>

Visit the Black Hollywood Education & Resource Center >>