Lessons of the Hour
Lessons of the Hour is a five-screen immersive video installation by Isaac Julien, reflecting on the life and ideas of 19th-century abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass. It is the first joint acquisition by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, co-curated by Saisha Grayson and Charlotte Ickes. This work underscores Douglass’s enduring influence and relevance in ongoing conversations around race, democracy, and visual culture.
The video installation Lessons of the Hour is on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., from December 8, 2023, to December 6, 2026. It is exhibited on the second floor of the South Wing, and admission is free to the public during regular museum hours (typically 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.).
Exhibition Description
Julien’s cinematic installation interweaves reenactments of Douglass’s life, inspired by his speeches such as “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” and “Lecture on Pictures.” It connects historical and contemporary imagery, from 19th-century photography studios to modern scenes in Baltimore and D.C., emphasizing Douglass’s belief in photography as a tool for liberation and justice. The rich visuals and layered soundscape invite viewers to reflect on both the legacy of Douglass and the broader fight for racial equality. Julien’s poetic editing style makes this a meditative and moving experience that resonates deeply with contemporary issues.
Gallery
