Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe in conversation with Emory Shaw Campbell

On the occasion of the exhibition Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and the Last Gullah Islands, the artist is joined by Emory Shaw Campbell—a renowned Gullah scholar and lifelong Hilton Head Island resident—to discuss the intertwined histories of the Gullah Islands, the African diaspora, and her photographic practice. Since the 1970s, Moutoussamy-Ashe has made photographs that celebrate the beauty and complexity of Black life, honoring the rhythms of everyday experiences and marking significant rites of passage for the Gullah Geechee people. Her work on Daufuskie Island, begun in 1977 with guidance from Shaw Campbell, highlights her dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the Sea Islands. The Gullah culture, rooted in the experiences of formerly enslaved African Americans, has thrived in relative isolation on the East Coast Sea Islands, including Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where descendants continue to uphold its language, customs, arts, and cuisine. In this conversation, they explore the lives of Daufuskie’s residents, the artist’s personal perspective and creative process, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate this vibrant cultural heritage. This conversation is moderated by Deborah Willis.