New commissions and historical works explore the untold stories of Black Californians during the Gold Rush and Reconstruction eras.
Yinka Shonibare, CBE, Man Moving Up, 2022. Courtesy of FOR-SITE.
On view through November 2, 2025, ‘Black Gold: Stories Untold’ is the latest site-specific exhibition from FOR-SITE, activating the historic Fort Point in San Francisco with a powerful survey of Black life, labour, and legacy in early California. The exhibition opened on June 6 and features works by 17 contemporary artists and collectives—many newly commissioned—examining the overlooked histories of African Americans from the Gold Rush through Reconstruction (c. 1848–1877).
Presented within the Civil War-era military architecture of Fort Point, the only structure of its kind on the West Coast, ‘Black Gold’ pairs contemporary art with a resonant historic site. More than 25 newly commissioned works span media, including film, photography, textile, printmaking, installation, and sculpture. Together, they explore themes of freedom, identity, resistance, and the enduring contributions of Black communities to California’s cultural and political fabric.
The exhibition includes commissions from Akea Brionne, Demetri Broxton, Adrian L. Burrell, the artists of Creativity Explored, Adam Davis, Cheryl Derricotte, Mildred Howard, Tiff Massey, Umar Rashid, Trina Michelle Robinson, Bryan Keith Thomas, and Cosmo Whyte. Key historical works by Isaac Julien, Alison Saar, Carla Edwards, Hank Willis Thomas, and Yinka Shonibare CBE expand the thematic scope of the exhibition.
Cheryl Haines, FOR-SITE’s Founding Executive Director and Chief Curator, described ‘Black Gold’ as “a collaborative effort that brings together artists, thinkers, and community leaders to reveal narratives that are historically significant and continue to resonate today.”
Highlights from the Exhibition
Akea Brionne’s tapestry of abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant honours one of California’s most influential, though often overlooked, historical figures. The work blends beading and digital weaving to reflect Pleasant’s legacy as both activist and entrepreneur.
Demetri Broxton’s embellished portraits of Captain William T. Shorey—California’s only Black whaling captain—and his wife, Julia, celebrate maritime heritage and civic leadership, incorporating materials such as cowrie shells and Japanese glass beads to honour global and cultural journeys.
Adrian L. Burrell’s film Gloria links past and present through the story of a young protestor and her ancestor, a woman who disguised herself to fight in the Civil War. The work bridges ancestral resistance with modern justice movements.
Adam Davis’s interactive tintype studio, Black Magic, invites visitors to have their portraits taken using a historical photographic process. The space doubles as a lounge and resource centre reflecting on the role of the Buffalo Soldiers, Black rest, and visual representation.
Trina Michelle Robinson’s film and etching series focus on Brigadier General Charles Young, who rose from enslavement to lead the Buffalo Soldiers, serve as a park superintendent, and play the violin. Her poetic 16mm film uses Young’s piano composition to weave archival footage and dreamlike imagery.
Context and Collaboration
The exhibition draws partial inspiration from Gold Chains: The Hidden History of Slavery in California, a public education campaign by the ACLU of Northern California. In collaboration with a distinguished advisory committee, including curators, scholars, and civic leaders, ‘Black Gold’ aims to expand the public’s understanding of California’s complex past.
To further engage audiences, docents are stationed throughout Fort Point to provide historical context and information about the artworks on display. Visitors can also access additional content online through FOR-SITE’s website and social platforms using #BlackGoldArt and #ArtAboutPlace.
A full-colour catalogue, co-published with Radius Books, will be released in January 2026, offering more profound insights into the artists’ practices and the historical themes of the exhibition. It includes roundtable discussions with artists, critical essays, and archival research.
Chris Lehnertz, CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, emphasised the importance of the location: “Fort Point, like all national park sites, holds a rich cultural and historical legacy. This exhibition is a powerful way to ensure more people see their history, contributions, and perseverance reflected in these iconic spaces.”
‘Black Gold: Stories Untold’ marks the sixth major collaboration between FOR-SITE, the National Park Service, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Together, they continue to pioneer new models of site-specific art that engage public lands and public memory.
For more information, visit for-site.org.
