Reclaiming Identity and History Through the Art of Morgan Overton
- Gabriel Fleming
- Jan 25
- 5 min read
Soul Search Art chose to celebrate the month of love and Black History by collaborating with Pittsburgh's culturally dynamic artist, Morgan Overton. Overton’s artwork challenges our perceptions of history and identity. Born in Pittsburgh in 1993, she employs her multidisciplinary talents to craft pieces that merge portraiture, abstraction, and symbolism. Her art serves as a powerful medium for reclaiming narratives frequently ignored or erased, particularly those of Black and Global Majority communities. Through her creations, Overton encourages us to contemplate identity, ancestral memory, and resilience in ways that resonate both personally and universally.
"I am struck by the concept of Afrofuturism: how it provides an imaginative yet hopeful cast for a utopian future - free of oppression, full of liberation. I can't help but wonder if it also serves as an ode to a rewritten, untouched past." -Morgan Overton
Exploring Identity Through Mixed Media
Overton’s art stands out because of how she layers meaning and texture. She combines paint, drawing, and other materials to create pieces that feel complex and alive. Her portraits often mix realistic features with abstract shapes and symbols. This technique reflects the fluid nature of identity and memory, showing that who we are is not fixed but shaped by many influences.
For example, a portrait may show a colorless face but also include abstract lines or colors that suggest emotions, history, or cultural roots. This invites viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper stories behind each person. Overton’s work encourages us to think about how race, history, and personal experience intersect in shaping identity.
Art as a Platform for Social Change
Morgan Overton’s background in social action, psychology, and politics deeply influences her art. She sees her creative work as a way to raise awareness and spark conversations about democracy, human rights, and justice.
From 2023 to 2025, she was
the first Artist-in-Residence at the University of Pittsburgh’s Frederick Honors College. During this time, she worked with peacebuilding and human rights leaders to explore how art can help preserve American democracy.
Her projects often involve workshops and collaborations that bring together artists, activists, and community members. This approach shows how art can be more than just visual expression—it can be a tool for building understanding and inspiring collective action.
Morgan’s influence extends beyond her art. She has been a sought-after speaker and panelist at major organizations such as the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, the Andy Warhol Museum’s Pop District, and Pennsylvania Arts and Humanities. These platforms allow her to challenge traditional narratives and push for a more inclusive cultural landscape.
Her guest lectures at universities like Carnegie Mellon, Carlow University, and Point Park University bring real-world insights to students studying arts, social sciences, and politics. Morgan’s ability to connect academic theory with community experience enriches the learning environment and encourages future leaders to think critically about art’s role in society.
Overton Making History
Morgan made history as the first Black woman to serve as Vice Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Party from 2022 to 2024. This milestone highlights her commitment to political engagement and community representation. Through this role, she was elected as a Delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, further amplifying her voice on a national stage.
Her political work complements her artistic and social efforts, showing how leadership in different arenas can drive meaningful change. Morgan’s example encourages others to pursue leadership roles that reflect their values and community needs.
Morgan’s contributions have earned her several prestigious awards. In 2024, she received the first Community ARTivist Award from the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, recognizing her unique blend of art and activism. The University of Pittsburgh honored her with the Young Black Alumni Award, and she was inducted into the Pittsburgh Business Times 30 Under 30 in 2019.
These honors underscore the impact of her work and the respect she commands across different fields. They also highlight the importance of recognizing leaders who use creativity to address social challenges.
"The place in which I'll fit will not exist until I make it" -Overton's favorite quote by James Baldwin
Amplifying Voices Through Curation
In addition to creating her own art, Overton curates exhibitions that highlight diverse perspectives on equity and community. She organizes Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh, an annual show featuring over 100 artists. Hosted by the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, this exhibition showcases work that speaks to social justice and community resilience.
By bringing together so many voices, Overton’s curation creates a space where stories of struggle and hope can be shared widely. This reinforces the idea that art plays a vital role in shaping public conversations and supporting movements for change.
Creating Safe Spaces for You and Me
Beyond creating art, Overton runs the Morgan Overton Art Gallery in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. The gallery serves as a space for emerging and established artists to exhibit work that challenges social norms and celebrates diverse identities. It also functions as a cultural hub where community members can engage with art that reflects their histories and aspirations.
The gallery’s programming often includes workshops, talks, and events that encourage dialogue about race, memory, and resilience. This commitment to community engagement aligns with Overton’s belief in art as a catalyst for social change.
The Power of Generational Storytelling
At the heart of Overton’s work is a commitment to generational storytelling. She draws from her own experiences and ancestral heritage to create art that honors the past while looking toward the future. This connection to history helps viewers understand the ongoing impact of systemic issues and the strength found in resilience.
In these unpredictable times, Overton's art reminds us that identity is shaped by many layers—family, culture, history, and personal experience. By reclaiming these stories, Overton helps
preserve histories that might otherwise be forgotten and builds a foundation for collective liberation.
"A woman steps forward beneath a radiant sunburst, her stride confident, her gaze lifted. Rendered in graphite and enveloped by hues of deep red and gold, she symbolizes the moment one begins a journey. While the journey is unknown, the figure carries a sacred strength that also exudes power." -Morgan
Overton
Want to learn more on Overton?
Website: https://www.morganovertonart.com/ Instagram: @morgan.overton.art
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