Randuwa II: St. Louis Art Museum: Narrative Wisdom and African Arts

St Louis Art Museum, originally built in 1911.

The St. Louis Art Museum is just one of many Cultural institutions that are free to the public, and others that are not, are free or discounted to the residents of St. Louis/St. Louis County. The scope is something that I have only ever seen in Washington, DC where all institutions affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution are gratis by statue and funded by private donations and federal tax dollars--part of America's gift to itself. I, for one, have certainly taken advantage of this in my backyard, and really appreciated it in St. Louis.

An exception would be a special exhibition, and the St. Louis Art Museum (SLAM) had one of those running that I wanted to see. "Narrative Wisdom and African Arts" explored in depth the rich tradition of story-telling in all of its many forms through sculpture, music, painting, textile, videography, etc. The show was one of the most encompassing explorations of art and culture from the African continent that I've ever encountered. Even now, as I'm considering the many photographs and wall texts that I captured, I am filled with awe and ideas.

After entering the museum from the underground parking garage, I approached the information desk near the exhibition and inquired about purchasing tickets for myself and my friend. The young man behind the desk asked if we were residents of St. Louis.

I replied, "No. I'm visiting from Washington, D.C."

And my friend chimed in, "I just moved to St. Louis from Washington last year."

The young man continued to process our order. I took out my wallet. He turned back towards us and said, "That won't be necessary. I get a certain number of free tickets every day, and it would be my pleasure to have you visit the exhibit as my guests."

Well, who the hell knew? It took me so aback, that I was barely able to even say, "Thank you." My throat closed up and I got all Verklempt. With eyes suddenly swelling red with moisture, I tried to think of unappealing things to redirect my reaction and entered the exhibit with a heart swollen suddenly tender by this young man's kindness.

So rather than me pontificating--here are 29 works of art from the exhibit. Let them do the story telling.

The first room contained musical instruments elevating the preeminent place of music in African cultures.

A pairing of intricately carved doors; The one on the left from the mid 20th century, and the one of the right about 30 years earlier, both from Nigeria.