Renowned visual artist and cultural agitator DS Kinsel debuts new work as part of the August Wilson Archive Community Artist-Scholar Award program, sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Library System. The exhibition, August Taught Us…, currently on view until April 6, 2025, in the Claude Worthington Benedum Gallery at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC).
Merging personal archival materials with rare documents, photographs, and production materials from the August Wilson Archive, August Taught Us… offers a powerful visual exploration of Wilson’s enduring legacy. Kinsel’s paintings and collages present an abstract reflection of Wilson’s American Century Cycle, highlighting Black resilience, genius, and artistic expression.
“This body of work reflects what I learned—not just about August Wilson, the historical figure, but August Wilson, the practicing artist, negotiator, and everyday person,” said DS Kinsel. “Wilson’s archive is more than a collection of scripts and notes; it’s a portal into the ways of being a monumental Black American artist, and I aim to honor that legacy through my work.”
Since 2023, Kinsel has engaged with Wilson’s materials at the University of Pittsburgh’s Hillman Library, using his research to draw connections between Wilson’s journey and his artistic practice. By fusing elements from his archive with Wilson’s handwritten notes and production materials, Kinsel bridges past and present narratives of Black artistry and cultural impact.
Exhibition Details
- Title: August Taught Us… by DS Kinsel
- Dates: March 6 – April 6, 2025
- Location: Claude Worthington Benedum Gallery, 2nd Floor, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Admission: Free and open to the public
Gallery Hours:
- Thursday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Special Events
- Sunday, March 16 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Black Power Storytime – A dynamic storytelling event presented by DS Kinsel, featuring performances of prose, poetry, and essays that celebrate Black voices. Presented in collaboration with BOOM Concepts, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Festival of Books. - Friday, March 28 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kinselland Radio – Created by Anqwenique and DS Kinsel, this vinyl-driven sonic experience will present a curated selection of music inspired by August Wilson’s personal collection, as part of the AWAACC Gallery Crawl. - Saturday, April 5 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Closing Reception & Artist Talk – Featuring a conversation between DS Kinsel and AWAACC Literary Curator Jessica Lanay, exploring the August Wilson Archive as an ancestral and artistic resource.
About DS Kinsel
DS Kinsel is an award-winning artist, creative entrepreneur, and cultural agitator who works across painting, printmaking, collage, installation, curating, performance, and public art. His practice explores themes of space-keeping, urban tradition, hip-hop, informalism, and cultural re-appropriation. He is the co-founder of BOOM Concepts, a Pittsburgh-based creative hub that uplifts Blackl, brown, queer and femme artists. Kinsel has been recognized with numerous awards, including Pittsburgh Magazine’s PUMP 40 Under 40, The Incline’s Who’s Next, and Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40. His work has been exhibited nationally, and he continues to be a leading advocate for equity in the arts.
About the August Wilson Archive
Held by the University of Pittsburgh Library System, the August Wilson Archive is a comprehensive collection of materials documenting Wilson’s life and career. It includes handwritten notes, scripts, playbills, production materials, personal correspondence, and rare photographs that provide deep insight into Wilson’s creative process and contributions to American theater.
About the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) is a non-profit, multidisciplinary arts center dedicated to celebrating the African American journey and its profound influence on American culture. As one of the nation’s largest cultural institutions focused exclusively on the African American experience, AWAACC presents exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that honor the legacy of August Wilson while fostering meaningful connections between past and present Black artistic expression.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
boomconcepts1@gmail.com
