Delita Martin’s solo exhibition, “Sometimes My Blues Change Colors,” in the Francine Kelly Gallery at the esteemed Featherstone Center for the Arts on Martha's Vineyard was a landmark event within the island’s artistic heritage and a significant moment for the broader recognition of Black women artists in the art world.

Martin's historic achievement as the first Black woman to hold a solo exhibition at the Featherstone Center for the Arts is not just a breakthrough, but a beacon of hope for the future. This milestone marks a significant shift in the recognition and visibility of Black women artists within traditional art spaces, underscoring the increasing acknowledgment of the diverse and rich artistic voices shaping our cultural landscape.
In "Sometimes My Blues Change Colors," Martin unveils her groundbreaking concept of "Afro-Cubism" through a captivating array of mixed media prints. Drawing inspiration from traditional Cubism, Afro-Cubism expands its horizons by incorporating cultural symbols, a diverse palette of blue hues, and fluid free-flowing forms.

Like the pioneering work of Cubism's early innovators, Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, Martin employs analytical and synthetic phases to deconstruct and reconstruct works of art. However, Martin's approach blends traditional African art with Afro-modernist aesthetics and Cubist sensibilities, resulting in a distinctly Black and women-centric perspective on themes of identity and spirituality, challenging conventional notions of representation.

In her exploration of Afro-Cubism, Martin finds liberation in challenging traditional ideals of art and printmaking. "This art form allows me to explore new mediums, techniques, and narratives that pay homage to my heritage while engaging with modern contexts," she says. "It encourages a dialogue between tradition and innovation, bridging the gap between past and present." - Curator and Founding Director of Galerie Myrtis, Dr. Myrtis Bedolla