Photo by Jenny E. Photography
Charles Eady a contemporary artist and author use art to examine long-held beliefs about the south. His paintings open dialogues into little-known facts about southern history. His emphasis for the past decade has been on the lives of those living in the South before the Civil War. He has a unique artistic language for layering art into history.
Born in South Carolina he currently lives in Ocala, Florida. Eady graduated from Claflin University with a BA in Art Education. Eady won the 2021 ArtFields Grand Prize with a portrait of a girl who wanted to read. His art has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Eady’s pioneering approach to mixed-media incorporates documents on his paintings.
In 2023, Eady will receive his first solo exhibit at a national museum, the Appleton Museum in Ocala, Florida. A recent painting of his is a part of their permanent collection. The central theme within his work includes scenes from the everyday life of free Blacks. Eady endeavors for his work to teach history and improve social conflict. The incredibly powerful pieces disrupt mainstream imagery and gives voice to a population silenced from history.
Photo by Jenny E. Photography
The historical information presented was eye opening, and the art was brilliant! I’m already looking forward to the NEXT PRESENTATION!
– Veronica Eason
Wonderful presentation. Mr. Eady gave plenty of new information about things I thought I already knew. I went home and started looking for more information. Mr. Eady may be known as an artist, but I feel his historical knowledge matches his artistic notoriety.
-Karen Harri Madigan
A compelling story about a free black family seeking equality in South Carolina before the Civil War.
The documents and information presented in Mr. Eady’s book is a testimony of the rich and diverse heritage of people of color and is a brilliant use of media to tell a powerful story. My hope is that the information and historical accounts noted in Hidden Freedom will be a beacon for individuals to absorb and reflect upon to instill and rebuild the self esteem, pride, and image of individuals, to note that the fabric of our beings represents power, intelligence, and love for people. Mr Eady’s book is the spark that has the potential to ignite a desire and passion that can motivate individuals to seek historical accounts and facts about their family history to develop a more positive identity of who they are and to share with future generations. Unveiling hidden freedoms and intellectual treasures is a pathway to rebuilding and strengthening families and communities.
PhD Candidate, Sonya Williams
Photo by Jenny E. Photography
A pursuit of truth through the South.