Ray joined me at the Kimbell Art Museum for this rather cool exhibit. Always good to explore different art and this was no exception. It's an incredible compilation of African masks, figures, applied arts, and jewelry giving meaning to daily and ritual life.
Concepts of beauty are created in art and the word utotombo means beautiful and good.
The art in this exhibit explores Western appreciations and appropriations. The skill and beauty are different to my eyes, but intriguing. I wanted to touch the art - so many intricately carved pieces. So many pieces pay homage to the female figure and to male strengths. Religion plays a big part in much of the art. There is also ugliness meant for humor.
So much of the art on display was from the 1800s and early 1900s. I had to reflect on the history. How much was pillaged and plundered, and thus preserved? That's a sad and yet worthy question. There were pictures from various African villages. Were these pieces taken from in front of villagers homes?
Alas, that issue was not discussed. Nonetheless, the pieces are nicely displayed and now cared for as a part of African history. We must respect the ART!
Hi Joanne - must have been so interesting to see ... I wonder which country they came from - as Africa is a land of 54 countries and other recognised territories etc ... but over 3,000 tribes ...
ReplyDeleteI'd have loved to have visited - while the Kimbell museum appears to be a great place to spend time at. Cheers Hilary
I think a lot were from Nigeria. I’m not near the brochure. Indeed, you can tell from my many posts that I enjoy the Kimbell.
DeleteI too look at museums and galleries in a different way now. Last year I went to an exhibition about the Mayflower and Pilgrim Fathers - part of it was dedicated to looking at the indigenous populations we usurped. I think it's so important not to forget our collective history is not always glorious.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that lots of upgrades or refreshers are happening at museums, et al. History is history but research adds to the story. You are very correct
DeleteAfrican art is spectacular!
ReplyDeletePillaged or preserved? That's a question that won't be settled in a hurry. History is history, the Moving Finger and all that. Trying to rewrite it is foolish and trying to manipulate people through a fake version of it is downright dangerous. Apologies and reparations are a different issue, that's trying to create a level field for the descendants of victims, acknowledging the injuries going forward. Revisionist history does not make sense. We need to remember the glorious as well as the less glorious past as it was lived in its entirety not cherrypick the bits that suit our own convenient versions. Sorry about the rant, you know the reason for it - I'll get off my soapbox now :)
You may step on the soapbox any time. Your comments are well received as you have the background- read, research, and been to so many places far from my little world. I appreciate and agree with you. Open eyes. Open heart. Open mind. Thanks.
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