SLAB and Show Car Culture in Central Texas Exhibit

View the exhibit here

Watch a recording of the virtual preview event of this exhibit that took place on Sunday, August 29th at 4 PM Central Time. Watch on YouTube!

Texas Folklife's SLAB and Show Car Culture in Central Texas exhibit aims to showcase the artistry, cultural narratives, and community significance of African American SLAB and show car culture of Central Texas. The exhibit features "Central Texas Still Holdin'", a photograph collection by Cindy Elizabeth, insights from show car club participants, and contextualization by scholars and researchers, including Folklorist and Ethnomusicologist Langston Collin Wilkins.  

Cindy Elizabeth Artist Statement:

"As an artist, I approach image-making from a collaborative place, drawing inspiration from the

people or environments I’m photographing to create authentic imagery that strives to stand as

an authentic reflection of the community or experience. My photographic practice explores

concepts of culture, history, and symbolism with the goal of bringing visibility to Black joy,

community, and perseverance.

Central Texas Still Holdin’ is a tribute to the Car and SLAB culture born in Texas. Created over the course of the pandemic, this collection of images showcases portraits of central Texas-based car clubs and community members along with images of the rides and accessories that bring them a sense of belonging and pride. Even through all the hardships and loss brought on by the pandemic, the culture and the community is, as coined by the late DJ Screw, Still Holdin’."

Photo credits to project photographer, Cindy Elizabeth.

This exhibit was made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is also supported in part by the board, members, and individual donors who support Texas Folklife, as well as the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department and Texas Commission on the Arts. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this event and exhibit do not necessarily reflect those of the Texas Commission on the Arts, The City of Austin Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Development Department, or Humanities Texas.

Watch a recording of the virtual preview event of this exhibit that took place on Sunday, August 29th at 4 PM Central Time. Watch on YouTube!