Encounters: The Arts of Africa
Opening October 12, 2012
Curator: Allyson Purpura
Wosene Worke Kosrof
Migrations II, 2006
Acrylic on canvas
© Wosene Worke Kosrof
KAM is excited to open its newly designed gallery devoted to the arts of Africa. Visitors will be welcomed by a completely renovated space with a new interpretive framework, casework, lighting, layout, and entranceways into the gallery. The thematically organized installation is inspired by the idea that objects can “tell” multiple stories, not only about themselves but also about the broader social contexts and often fraught global histories through which they have journeyed. Indeed, as a 21st century museum, KAM is committed to raising awareness about the “life histories” of African artworks, as well as the museum’s role in shaping our understanding of those histories.
The installation will display approximately 70 artworks from KAM’s African holdings, many of which have not been on view for decades. An 18th-century bronze hip mask from the Kingdom of Benin testifies both to the mastery of the bronze casting workshops of the Oba’s court and to the illicit means by which many such objects were taken from the Oba’s palace during the British punitive expedition of 1897. Another collection highlight includes a grouping of small, intimate works by Chokwe, Kuba, Dogon, and Pende artists that were made to be held, carried, or serve otherworldly forces. These objects invite close looking and possess a grace that transcends their modest dimensions.
The new exhibition space and installation design for the African Gallery has been conceived and detailed by Rice+Lipka Architects, New York. There will also be an accompanying brochure for the reinstallation, designed by Studio Blue, Chicago.
Sponsored in part by the Theresa and Harlan E. Moore Charitable Trust Fund, Krannert Art Museum; the Arnold O. Beckman Award, U of I Campus Research Board; and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency
Select Programming:
October 11, 5–6 pm
Private Members’ Reception
Please RSVP to Chris Schaede (217 244 0516 or kam@illinois.edu) by Friday, October 5.
October 11, 6–8 pm
(museum open until 9 pm)
Public Opening Reception
With opening comments by Allyson Purpura, curator of African Art, at 6 pm followed by live African dance music by Les Vainqueurs with band leader Lebon Mikandu
Cash bar provided by Michaels’ Catering
Hosted by the Krannert Art Museum Council
October 25, 5:30 pm
Gallery Conversation
“Creating Community Through African Art”
With Anne Lutomia, doctoral student in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership; Sam Smith, engagement director of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts; and Mabinty Tarawallie, master’s student in Social Work. Moderated by Allyson Purpura, curator
December 7, 7 pm
The African Francophone Choir
With Yamfu Nlandu, choir director, accompanied by live band