The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore will open a new exhibition, “Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture,” on April 18. The show focuses on the work of Douriean Fletcher, a self-taught jewelry artist known for her contributions to film, costume design, and independent artistry. Over 100 pieces will be displayed, covering Fletcher’s career from her early years to present day. The exhibition includes items featured in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther films and works inspired by objects from various museum collections.
Organized originally by the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City, the exhibition has been adapted for its presentation at the Walters Art Museum. It will remain open through August 9, 2026. An opening celebration is scheduled for April 18 with an artist talk, workshops, and performances.
“Douriean’s career—from her contributions to film and television costume to her personal artistic practice—has been defined by her dedication to craftsmanship, a deep understanding of history and culture, and a respect for the customs and traditions of peoples around the world. We are thrilled to present the work of this prolific self-taught artist, which is right at home here alongside the Walters’ own global collections of jewelry including extraordinary works from ancient Egypt, Indigenous Latin America, and Ethiopia,” said Kate Burgin, Andrea B. and John H. Laporte Director and CEO. “Whether you have never been to the Walters before or you are a frequent visitor, we hope that Douriean’s artistry inspires you to join us for a tour, artist talk, family day, or repeat visits through the exhibition.”
The exhibition explores Afrofuturism as reflected in Fletcher’s art—a movement reclaiming Black identity while imagining inclusive futures—and is divided into three sections: formative years; film and television work; current explorations. Visitors can see jewelry created for Queen Ramonda and Dora Milaje from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther films (2018 & 2022), shown alongside costumes designed by Ruth E. Carter.
Fletcher commented on her journey: “When I started teaching jewelry making classes in New Orleans, one of the things that I recall researching early on is that jewelry was one of the first ways that humans used objects to differentiate themselves from each other based on their region or status,” said Fletcher. “I don’t know why but I was so attracted to that; understanding that bone and shell and beads were the first ways that people identified who they were, and we as people have continued to do that throughout history. We utilize the things around us and put them together to tell people who we are.”
The show also features inspirations behind Fletcher’s designs such as Maasai neckpieces or works by Alexander Calder and Art Smith. Exclusive pieces crafted specifically for this exhibit will debut in Baltimore along with sketches documenting Fletcher’s process.
Fourteen objects selected from The Walters’ permanent collection—including two ancient Egyptian rings—will be displayed alongside Fletcher’s creations as visual references behind her designs.
“It is fascinating to see works by Douriean and makers of the past side by side in this exhibition as it underscores the continuous and universal tradition of identity-building and storytelling through adornment,” said Christine Sciacca, point curator for the exhibition at The Walters Art Museum. “Offering public access to art collections for everyone as we do at The Walters allows artists like Fletcher to explore techniques materials and styles to build their craft.”
To deepen visitors’ engagement with both historic metalworking traditions and contemporary practices highlighted in this show—as well as throughout its broader galleries—the museum collaborated with Fletcher on an interpretive guide featuring items she selected from regions such as Ethiopia Latin America ancient Egypt medieval Europe.
The co-curators include Barbara Paris Gifford (MAD) along with Sebastian Grant (Parsons School of Design). Christine Sciacca serves as point curator at The Walters.
Fletcher grew up in Pasadena California where she began making jewelry while exploring personal identity rooted partly in experiences traveling South Africa studying traditional adornment forms used within communities or ceremonies; she later became—in 2016—the first jeweler admitted into Motion Picture Costumer Union enabling unique involvement across major film productions like Black Panther.
Admission remains free due largely to support from individuals foundations corporations local government grants—and aligns with The Walters Art Museum’s mission fostering community connections via its inclusive approach (official website). Its collection exceeds 36,000 objects representing cultures worldwide over seven millennia (official website). Located in Mount Vernon neighborhood since its founding through Henry Walters’ bequest it continues bringing together diverse audiences (official website) while maintaining conservation resources (official website)—and offers public access digital images (official website).
For more information about programming or visiting details contact 410-547-9000 or visit thewalters.org.
