NEW EXHIBIT

BOYS DON’T CRY: GROWING PAINS

Heath Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of “Boys Don’t Cry: Growing Pains" a group exhibition curated by Yvena Despagne in Harlem, New York.

"Boys Don’t Cry: Growing Pains" offers an opportunity to bring to light the profound and diverse experiences of raising Black boys in today’s world. The exhibition aims to shed light on the complexities of Black childhood, highlighting both the challenges and joys of parenting within the context of modern society. Its intent is to open the eyes of adults through the lens of contemporary art. The show invites viewers to rethink critical narratives regarding Black parenting, encouraging a deeper understanding of the emotional and cultural dynamics that shape the lives of Black children and their families. Featuring works by multifaceted artists, the exhibition examines the hopes and dreams parents carry for their children, as well as the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and navigating the pressures of assimilation. It also reflects on the realities Black families face—particularly in urban settings—offering an intimate view of how race, identity, and culture intersect in shaping a child's journey.

Through engaging visual works and interactive displays, the exhibition delves into how Black children navigate dual identities—balancing their parents’ cultural values with the societal norms they encounter in America. It explores themes such as discipline, education, gender roles, and the significance of rituals and traditions in a multicultural context. The exhibition will be curated with a focus on a broad spectrum of artistic perspectives. Ensuring that the exhibition reflects a variety of personal and community-based experiences, artists' works will explore the themes of raising Black boys, with an emphasis on fresh, thought-provoking narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

The exhibition space has been thoughtfully designed to create an immersive and reflective environment. Artworks will be grouped into thematic sections that align with the exhibition’s central themes, and interactive elements—including audio-visual installations and participatory art—to further engage visitors, encourage dialogue and foster greater empathy and understanding. "Boys Don’t Cry: Growing Pains" is an opportunity to engage with the unique experiences of Black children and their families, fostering understanding, compassion, and support for the diverse journeys they each undertake.

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Site specific installation: “TV Dad” Produced and Edited by Yvena Despagne and Richard Rameau of D&R Films NYC

PROGRAMMING:

“A child cannot be taught by anyone who despises him, and a child cannot afford to be fooled. A child cannot be taught by anyone whose demand, essentially, is that the child repudiate his experience.”

- James Baldwin, Little Man, Little Man: A Story of Childhood

Exhibition Tour and Film Screening: February 8: 1pm

Film Screening: 2pm “How to raise a black son in America” by Clint Smith (a TedTalk presentation) and “NWA”. NWA is a candid, emotional, coming-of-age film about Frantz, a first-generation Haitian-American boy, torn by the decision to get the haircut he knows his strict immigrant father would approve of, or a trendy cut connecting him to the Black American culture he’s warned him not to embrace.

Q&A: A discussion with director Hans Augustave and guest actors, highlighting the production of the film “NWA” , the relationship dynamic between the actors playing father and son, and its representation to real life scenarios.

**Hans Augustave is a Haitian-American filmmaker living through his various creative expressions with the intent to heal. His journey has taken him from the art of spoken word, to the stage and now to the screen with his short films Before I Knew (Best Short

Short - Harlem International Film Festival) and I Held Him (Urbanworld, Brooklyn Film Festival). Hans is also the producer of documentary The Forgotten Occupation (Outstanding Feature Documentary, Audience Choice - Art of Brooklyn Film Festival), which examines the United States’ occupation of Haiti from 1915-1934 and its negative impacts on Haiti’s current politics.

Artist Talk : “Let Them Be Kids” - A Day of Discussion: February 15: 1pm

Description: A conversation with Boys Don’t Cry: Growing Pains featured artists addressing the challenges and experiences of raising black children, or growing up as a black child in an urban environment. An opportunity for visitors to engage with artists about the exhibition and their inspirations behind their work.

Workshop :Hueman Father: March 8, 1pm , An interactive session, for fathers and community members to explore themes of fatherhood and support through creative activities. Hosted by Hueman Gallery founder Jean Messeroux and guests panelists.