An artwork's color or composition can pull you in -- and put you on the path to having important and difficult conversations, says artist Titus Kaphar. In this stunning talk, he reflects on his artistic evolution and takes us on a tour of his career -- from "The Jerome Project," which draws on religious icons to examine the US criminal justice system, to "From a Tropical Space," a haunting body of work that centers around Black mothers whose children have disappeared. Kaphar also shares the idea behind NXTHVN, an arts incubator and community for young people in his hometown.

Titus Kaphar: Can beauty open our hearts to difficult conversations?

Can beauty open our hearts to difficult conversations?

Art's beauty, intertwined with truth, opens hearts to tough dialogues, as seen in works that challenge and reflect societal truths.

Exploring racial disparities in the US justice system, a project juxtaposes religious iconography with mugshots to question societal norms.

NXTHVN fosters creativity in youth, proving the power of artistic expression to envision futures beyond the confines of current realities.