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!
