The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art is proud to present Kept to Myself, a solo exhibition by Las Vegas artist and designer Ashley Hairston Doughty. Doughty is a visual storyteller whose practice engages with socio-economic, racial, and gender-based issues, particularly those relating to cultural misconceptions and the development of personal identity. Kept to Myself introduces us to a substantial range of her work in different media, including video, fiber art, and illustration.

Augmenting the exhibition space with her personal poems, written thoughts, and anecdotes, Doughty uses art and text to lead us through her experiences as a Black woman in contemporary society. Feeling the weight of others’ expectations, she remembers a surprising “proclamation of solidarity” and considers the morality of bringing a child into a world “where people are shot for praying / while black / while Jewish / while Muslim” and “natural disasters get / stronger / bolder / more devastating.” Through printed textiles, she shares her discomfort at the unsolicited comments she receives from people in the street. “How you doin on this fiiiine day?” a purple cushion croons.

Working through a rush of impressions, the artist gives us a glimpse of her life that touches on both her interior individuality and her presence as part of a greater whole.

Kept to Myself is on view in the Center Gallery of the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art from August 17, 2020, to October 9, 2020. In line with current COVID-19 guidelines, all visitors are required to wear a mask while on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) where the Museum is located.

Make a Reservation

The Barrick Museum of Art is open to the public Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., by appointment. Please reserve your spot to see one of our current exhibitions.  To make an appointment visit Eventbrite. Please note that for the safety of our community, all visitors are required to wear a face-covering and maintain social distance from others.