Traditional objects and the artwork of a current artist reflect the culture of Africa in an exhibit now showing at the Ohio University Art Gallery and Trisolini Gallery.
Re-Echoing the Heartbeat of Africa
which opened last night featured the artwork of Segun Babajide Olatayo, a professional artist and storyteller from Nigeria. African objects on loan from the collection of the Kennedy Museum of Art accompanied it.
George Vincent Amagnoh, African Collections Curatorial Assistant at the Kennedy Museum of Art and co-curator of the exhibit, said the Kennedy Museum's objects are traditional, while Olatayo uses contemporary forms of painting and textiles.
We decided it would be a very good way to kind of juxtapose the two traditions he said.
The artifacts are from various places in sub-Saharan Africa, Amagnoh said. Objects include masks, headdresses, stools, lamps and musical instruments. Explanations of the origins and uses of some the objects are also included.
Olatayo's works include oil paintings and appliqu+ she said.
Amagnoh said traditional African art, such as in this exhibition, draws its energy from the belief in the spirit form.
African art results from the basic concept of religion and belief
he said.
He opened the exhibit with a prayer performance and also poured libations. He said a prayer typically accompanies gatherings in Africa. He also performed an Agbadza dance in order to perform part of the (African) culture.
OU junior Brittany Kerr, an art education major, said the show was not what she expected, but was great.
I expected to see art
not the whole culture coming out
Kerr said.
She said the prayer performance set the mood and let viewers not only see art but also to feel what it is like to be a part of African culture.
What: Re-Echoing the Heartbeat of Africa
Where: Ohio University Art Gallery, fifth floor of Seigfred Hall, and Trisolini Gallery
When: Now through Nov. 8. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday
Admission: Free and open to the public
17
Archives
Megan Chew
