Randuwa II: African Art Museum: Visionary Viewpoints on Africa's Arts

Monday, August 6, 2018

African Art Museum: Visionary Viewpoints on Africa's Arts

Another floor of the museum contains more of the permanent collection under the title: "Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts". This section of galleries is similar to the previous in that it contains a wide range of both historic and contemporary works of art displayed in union. It also includes works from the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection. The collection was given to the museum in 2005 and contains some of the oldest and most culturally important works in the permanent collection. At the time of its assemblage, it helped to define quality in the arena of African art. I have to admit, some of the pieces attributed to this gift are truly extraordinary. They help to define this unassuming museum on the outer rim of the National Mall as one of the premier repositories of African Art in the world. It always bothers me to think how many people don't even know that it's there.

[front] Hunting Horn, 1494-1500

Unknown Bullom or Temne artist

Sierra Leone

[back] Saltcellar, 1500's

unknown Edo artist

Nigeria

Crest Mask, circa 1880-1920

unknown Ejagham artist

Nigeria

I know, it's crazy! And I didn't get either the name of the piece or the artist... A good reason to go back soon.

Plaques, circa 1550-1600

unknown Edo artists

Nigeria

Detail, an Edo Plaque

Sunshine Land, 2012

Tchif (Francis Nacaise Tchiakpe, 1967 -

Benin

A corner devoted to Adinkra cloth printing stamps and an example of a modern interpretation on the classic art form was very interesting and beautifully presented.

Off My Back, 1995

Owusu-Ankomah (Kwesi Owusu-Ankomah), 1956 -

Ghana

This painting my Ghanaen-born artist Kwesi Owusu-Ankomah demands a closer look. What initially appeared to be a simple use of adinkra motifs quickly turns amiss. The patterns are not quite right. They are interrupted. Or are they? When you really look you can see the forms of two men intertwined. Both have distinctly African features. The title "Off My Back" cannot not likewise be dismissed as a commentary on just colonization. Clearly there is something more intimate going on here. The artist is a member of the African diaspora living in Germany. Perhaps therein lies a clue? In any event, the painting is stunning.