Between Starshine and Clay by Hadiya Williams makes a powerful debut in DC
Hadiya Williams’ debut solo exhibition Between Starshine & Clay made a memorable impact on Washington, DC’s contemporary art scene during its May run at Art of Noize.
As the founder of Black Pepper Paperie Co., Williams has long explored the intersection of cultural memory, craft, and design. This exhibition marked a pivotal moment in her artistic journey, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience.
With handcrafted ceramic lighting and generative artworks, Williams constructed a thoughtful narrative around materiality, Black modernist aesthetics, and the meditative possibilities of form and function.
Drawing its name from Lucille Clifton’s poem won’t you celebrate with me, Between Starshine & Clay evoked a metaphorical space between the spiritual and the earthly. Hadiya Williams embraced this liminality, using it as a creative springboard for objects that were both utilitarian and ceremonial.
Her ceramic lamps were not just sources of light but acts of grounding—physical manifestations of memory, clarity, and healing. These pieces demonstrated her ability to translate ancestral visual language into modern forms that speak to both personal history and broader cultural identity.
Hadiya Williams’ practice is steeped in her continued exploration of African diasporic traditions. Through this lens, she reimagines Black design heritage with a contemporary sensibility, engaging mid-century modern influences while maintaining a distinctly handmade character.
Her use of earth-toned ceramics, layered textures, and intuitive shapes resonates with viewers seeking a return to tactility in a digital age. It’s a return not only to craft but also to community and spiritual connection.
While Between Starshine & Clay was her first solo exhibition, Hadiya Williams has previously participated in prominent group shows including Making Home at Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, Mis en Place at Friends Artspace, and Makers in the Mansion at Woodlawn Pope-Leighy House.
These experiences shaped her evolution, leading to a deeper, more autonomous articulation of her voice in this solo show. The exhibition was a celebration of growth, heritage, and creative clarity—an achievement solidified by the artist talk and closing reception held on May 31.
As the founder of Black Pepper Paperie Co., Hadiya Williams continues to inspire through work that honors history while embracing innovation. Her art bridges past and present, offering spaces where design becomes storytelling.
With permanent collections at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Williams’ influence is expanding, and Between Starshine & Clay stands as a defining milestone in her career.
All images courtesy of Hadiya Williams
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