Fresh Air Episode Summary: Painter Titus Kaphar on "Exhibiting Forgiveness"

Introduction

In the June 19, 2025 episode of NPR's Fresh Air, host Tanya Mosley engages in a profound conversation with contemporary artist and filmmaker Titus Kaphar. Known for his innovative approach to classical art forms—through cutting, shredding, stitching, and more—Kaphar's work seeks to unveil the often-erased narratives of Black Americans from historical contexts. His latest creative endeavor, the feature film Exhibiting Forgiveness, marks his directorial debut and offers a deeply personal exploration of forgiveness and reconciliation.

From Art to Film: The Genesis of "Exhibiting Forgiveness"

Kaphar recounts the origin of his film, which began as a documentary project. The idea was sparked during a visit to his grandmother's house in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where an unexpected encounter with his estranged father unfolded on camera.

Titus Kaphar [02:15]: "I had a camera on my shoulder... I said, if you want to talk, let me film you."

However, upon screening the documentary, Kaphar felt it lacked depth, particularly in conveying his childhood experiences. This realization propelled him to transform the documentary into a feature film, allowing him to narrate the story with a nuanced perspective that includes his younger self.

Titus Kaphar [03:52]: "The documentary felt wildly unsatisfying... I don't want that in the world."

Creative Process: Merging Writing and Painting

Transitioning to film required Kaphar to adapt his creative process. He balanced early morning writing sessions with his painting practice, using personal experiences to inform the screenplay. This dual approach facilitated a more emotional and introspective storytelling method.

Titus Kaphar [04:48]: "The writing process was far more emotional than I expected it to be... I gained a compassion, a sympathy for my father that I never had as a young man."

Themes of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

At its core, Exhibiting Forgiveness delves into generational healing and the complexities of forgiving someone who has caused deep personal pain. Kaphar emphasizes that forgiveness is not synonymous with reconciliation and that it often serves more as a means of personal liberation.

Titus Kaphar [44:57]: "Forgiveness allows you to unburden yourself and say... I'm done with it. I'm gonna let that go."

He articulates the importance of setting boundaries in the forgiveness process, distinguishing it from the often misconstrued notion of continuous reconciliation.

Art Commodification and Accessibility

Kaphar touches on the challenges artists face within the commodified art market, where the secondary sale of artworks does not benefit the original creators. He highlights his commitment to maintaining the integrity of his work despite these systemic obstacles.

Titus Kaphar [19:02]: "Most folks see those numbers and they're like, oh, man, Kaphar is doing really well... But none of that goes back to the artists."

To combat exclusivity in art spaces, Kaphar advocates for more democratized mediums like film, which can reach a broader and more diverse audience without the barriers inherent in traditional gallery settings.

Titus Kaphar [16:00]: "The documentary film is a much more democratically accessible medium... That was incredibly important to me."

Artistic Techniques and Symbolism

Kaphar's distinctive method of deconstructing paintings serves as a metaphor for uncovering hidden histories and emotions. He explains his process of manipulating his work to balance presence and absence, often leaving parts of the canvas blank to signify loss or memory.

Titus Kaphar [25:23]: "The absence of something can imply what was there, and it makes the absence physical."

An example from his work includes the Analogous Colors painting, inspired by George Floyd's last words, where a black mother holds a silhouette of a missing child, symbolizing loss and fear.

Titus Kaphar [24:48]: "Her son is gone... The absence is physical."

Personal Reflections and Healing

Kaphar's narrative extends beyond his artistic journey to his personal struggles with his father. He reflects on his father's harshness during his upbringing, acknowledging both the pain and the inadvertent strength it instilled in him. This introspection is central to the film's exploration of forgiveness.

Titus Kaphar [43:21]: "I wish I would pretend like I didn't know how to shovel. I wish I would be like, oh, I'm too tired for this. That wasn't allowed."

He explains that his current understanding of his father's experiences has reshaped his perception, allowing for a more compassionate and layered view of their relationship.

Titus Kaphar [41:59]: "I'm very hopeful that he will make it to his destination and I will be there to celebrate with him."

Conclusion

Titus Kaphar's Exhibiting Forgiveness is a testament to the healing power of art and the intricate process of understanding and forgiving those who have shaped our lives, for better or worse. Through his innovative techniques and heartfelt storytelling, Kaphar not only challenges historical narratives but also provides a deeply personal account of reconciliation and generational healing. This episode of Fresh Air offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Kaphar's creative mind and his journey towards forgiveness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Titus Kaphar [02:15]: "I had a camera on my shoulder... I said, if you want to talk, let me film you."
• Titus Kaphar [03:52]: "The documentary felt wildly unsatisfying... I don't want that in the world."
• Titus Kaphar [04:48]: "The writing process was far more emotional than I expected it to be... I gained a compassion, a sympathy for my father that I never had as a young man."
• Titus Kaphar [16:00]: "The documentary film is a much more democratically accessible medium... That was incredibly important to me."
• Titus Kaphar [19:02]: "Most folks see those numbers and they're like, oh, man, Kaphar is doing really well... But none of that goes back to the artists."
• Titus Kaphar [24:48]: "Her son is gone... The absence is physical."
• Titus Kaphar [25:23]: "The absence of something can imply what was there, and it makes the absence physical."
• Titus Kaphar [43:21]: "I wish I would pretend like I didn't know how to shovel. I wish I would be like, oh, I'm too tired for this. That wasn't allowed."
• Titus Kaphar [41:59]: "I'm very hopeful that he will make it to his destination and I will be there to celebrate with him."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Titus Kaphar's interview on Fresh Air, highlighting his artistic philosophy, personal experiences, and the themes explored in his film Exhibiting Forgiveness.