Carol Christine Hilaria Pounder, more famously known as CCH Pounder, is an acclaimed actress with decades of great performances on TV and in film.
The Emmy-nominated actress is known for her roles in the “Avatar” film franchise, “The Shield,” “The X-Files,” “ER,” “Tales From the Crypt,” and “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” to name a few.
Along with her love of acting, Pounder is deeply passionate about Black art. She and her late husband, Boubacar Koné, have amassed a collection of more than 500 contemporary works by African diasporic artists. Several of those pieces are currently on display at the African American Museum Philadelphia. Titled “Shared Vision: Portraits from The CCH Pounder-Koné Collection,” the exhibit features “paintings from the personal collection curated exclusively for AAMP.” It will be at the museum until March 2.
Billy Penn spoke with Pounder about her love of Black art, the first piece she ever purchased, and her new TV project.
What inspired you to begin to collect Black art?
My father got me into loving art. He collected Kenyan Ebony sculptures and I kept a small one from his collection in my pocket when I first went on auditions. That is what inspired me to collect functional art with a purpose.
Do you remember the first piece of art you purchased?
I believe it was an exchange during a time when my artist friends would host salons for actors, writers, and artists and we would share stories, journeys, and art pieces.
Why is the African American Museum in Philly a great spot for “Shared Vision”?
My wish was that my collection did not sit in a basement and when I see a young Black person look up and say, “That looks like me,” it tells me we hit an important chord for museum visitors who may have not seen themselves represented in the past.
Can you describe the meaning behind “Shared Vision”?
The exhibit showcases the Black body as a foundation where different artists are able to create a message about identity, history, and relationships.
Why is it important for the Black Diaspora to invest in artists and collect art today?
I think it’s important to bring back the seeds from where they were spread. And to make the African world your neighbor and their culture a part of your collection.
What advice would you give to those who want to become art collectors?
First, I would say, visit galleries and museums. Then collect what speaks to you. Collect what you love. Also, learn about the artists you collect.
Lastly, on the acting side of things, what upcoming projects are you working on?
My next project is “The Terror: Devil in Silver,” coming out on AMC. I’m looking forward to it being released this year.
(For more, read this piece from WHYY’s Peter Crimmins on the exhibit.)
