Preview
INTO AFRICA
Runs until February 13
Auburn Saloon (Tower Centre)
Never mind Out of Africa – according to a new art exhibition, it’s time for Calgarians to get Into Africa.
The show, on display at the Auburn Saloon, is part of February’s Black History Month celebrations.
Into Africa, which is accompanied by music and other related activities, "strives to be decidedly multicultural," says David Thiaw, the organizer of the event. "It blends African art classics – drums, masks, paintings on canvas and glass, bronzes, carvings, traditional furniture and textiles – with artworks from three inspired Alberta artists."
Along with an "eclectic collection of works from Africa" contributed by Thiaw, there will be works of art from Lillianne Molstad, Angelena Donovan and Norman Nemeth.
"In our view, the whole world should be welcomed to celebrate Black History Month," says Thiaw. "Black History Month should be culturally inclusive. The Canadian artists' paintings… will show you where one is born has so little bearing on where their soul wants to go."
Painter Nemeth is a good example of what Thiaw is talking about. A self-taught artist who was born and raised in Calgary, Nemeth considers his spiritual home to be Africa.
ðIt’s really a coming-of-age story," he says of his artistic progress. "My intention was to find a niche in painting but what I found was a passion. Everything that I’m doing is leading to Africa."
One of 10 paintings Nemeth will include as part of the exhibition is called Voodoo Supreme Chief. It is, in fact, five paintings in one and relates the story of how voodoo was born out of slavery. It was inspired in part by a book, The Mark of Voodoo by Sharon Caulder, and an Angelique Kidjo DVD, World Music Portraits.
"The portrait of the Voodoo Supreme Chief, Daagbo Hounon Houna, blends the history of voodoo with his personal heritage," explains Nemeth. "The portrait is surrounded by four other images, each telling a story. The figures are influenced by sculptures from different tribal regions of West Africa representing the different people who were brought to Ouidah for export during the slave trade." Ouidah (a.k.a. Benin) played an important role in the birth of voodoo, notes Nemeth. "This is where the Temple of the Pythons is located, a place of worship."
On the right side of the painting is a tree, which Nemeth says has great spiritual importance. "The slaves would circle the tree before leaving so their souls would remain home in Africa."
Nemeth, Thiaw and their colleagues would like to turn Into Africa into an annual event.
ðWe hope as a result that goodwill shall spread and that many other cultures from all continents join us in our passion for art and the riches of our world," says Thiaw. "Yes, it would be nice to make this effort a beacon of multiculturalism in motion."
The opening of Into Africa takes place Thursday, January 27, from 7 to 10 p.m. with Thiaw and his band Domba performing. |
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