Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise: Savannah Faith Jackson

Learn more about the artists in Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise: The Phillips Collection Juried Exhibition (on view August 1-September 20, 2026).

Tell us about your work in Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise. 

My piece is a video installation titled Middle Passage / Ocean Flag. The installation consists of an indigo blue curtain enclosing a video collage of the American flag where the stripes and union are footage of the Atlantic Ocean that ebb and flow independently of each other. Outside of the curtains is a personal narrative prose-poem that I wrote describing an interaction I had as a child. Middle Passage / Ocean Flag is a personal meditation on the contested site of the Atlantic Ocean. The body of water where my ancestors were forced and deemed less than human is the same body of water that my more recent ancestors (as a Gullah person) would bring them to spiritual freedom. 

Tell us about your artistic process. 

My artistic practice spans photography, fiber arts, and installation. Growing up, I loved photography and took darkroom classes all through high school. Photography was my introduction to art. It allowed me to investigate what it means for me to be a Black Gullah Geechee woman in the United States in the 21st century. When I started my MFA program, I had an urge to be immersed in my art and began exploring the ways in which materiality could bring new layers of meaning to my work. I learned to sew, weave, quilt, and dye. Physically engaging in the crafts of my ancestors elevated my art from being something I make to being something I embody. Engaging in fiber arts completely changed the way I thought about photography. I now think of everything, even digital images and video files, as material to be pieced together to tell stories that transcend time and location. 

How has living in the DMV area impacted and influenced your artistic journey? 

I was born and raised in Washington, DC, a second-generation native Washingtonian. Living on the red line, art has always been a short train ride away. When I was in high school, I’d spend my summers working whichever part-time job I had that year, then find my way to the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum (my favorites). Growing up in DC allowed art to be a part of my life. Besides institutions, growing up surrounded by Black expression gave me permission to be creative in unique ways. I don’t think I’d be the artist I am today if it weren’t for being surrounded by beautiful murals and the soul of Gogo music. 

What does it mean to you to be part of this exhibition? 

I am thrilled to be a part of this exhibition. This is my first time showing work in DC (as an adult), and this is my first time exhibiting an installation outside of school. I’m very proud to be showing with so many talented local artists.