This page is a record of an exhibit that took place in 1993. The individual links below will take you to the CURRENT VERSION of the pages that formed part of that exhibit. |
The Abstract Works exhibition showed a definite shift from the traditional
masks and figures typical of African art to non-objective artifacts, focusing
on shape, pattern, volume, detail and the patinas of use and age. In these
pieces timeless and modern concepts coexist. Comparisons and contrasts with
the other gallery exhibits show the range of styles from the ideal to the
real, the exaggerated and distorted to the simplified and minimized, the
elegant to the primitive, the spiritual and humanistic to the abstract.
Works on view include Dogon ladders and doorlocks; Senufo stools, bogolanfini
(mudcloths) and pestles; Nupe stools and pots; Kuba textiles of both the
Shoowa "cut-pile" type and Ngeende appliqued raffia cloths; Pygmy
painted "bark cloth"; and Yoruba Ashoke cloth, Egungun costumes
and Hausa robes. Iron pieces are either knives, spears, anklets, ceremonial
weapons or large currencies. Beaded pieces are primarily from the Ndebele
(see image) and Kuba peoples. Boxes, bowls, helmets, jewelry and other traditional
artifacts complete a show with great spiritual and artistic power. Additional
pieces, especially textiles, can be viewed by appointment.
This beaded garment, made by and worn by women, was for ceremonial occasions. It defined one's status, progressing from girlhood to womanhood. The Mapoto was reserved for married women.
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