Rod McGaha
FRAGMENTS OF HER
On view through February 16, 2026
Approaching the creative process as both a sound and visual artist, Rod McGaha’s work explores the resilience, grace, and joy of Black people, with a particular focus on the experiences and contributions of Black women. His practice combines the rawness of lived experience with the hope of regeneration, using both traditional and experimental methods to create spaces for reflection, upliftment, and community connection.
This collection of works, Fragments of Her, explores perceptions and challenges of Black women, utilizing photo collage and mixed media. As Rod says, “This collection is my way of piecing together the lives, struggles, and strength of Black women using torn paper, cardboard, tape, and photographs. These materials embody rupture and repair – things broken, distorted, and then held together again. This process mirrors the realities so many women endure.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Rod McGaha is a Chicago-born trumpeter, composer, and visual artist whose work blends sound and image to tell stories of resilience, joy, and freedom. Praised by legends like Max Roach and Clark Terry for his originality, he has performed worldwide including concerts in Egypt, Japan, Germany, South Africa, Poland and Mexico. In the U.S., he has performed on legendary stages such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Chicago’s Jazz Showcase, plus appeared in bands for iconic musicians such as Kenny Rogers and Bebe and Cece Winans. As a visual artist, Rod’s work has been exhibited at the Frist Art Museum, Fisk University Galleries, and Arcade Arts Nashville, among others. He creates visual art that, like his music, connects deeply with people and celebrates the strength of the Black experience.
This exhibit is open for viewing before and after all OZ Arts events this fall/winter, including performances of Synergy on December 5 & 6, featuring original music and projections by Rod McGaha.
To make an appointment to see this exhibit outside the existing performance times, contact Associate Director of Programing & Partnerships Daniel Jones at daniel@ozartsnashville.org
