A major Bank exhibition of contemporary African art, featuring the work of both established and emerging artists, is attracting the attention of international critics, gallery owners, and museum curators. The exhibit, which opened December 9 at the World Bank Building in Washington, D.C., includes more than 300 works of painting, sculpture, photography, and design. It is the culmination of a nearly three-year effort to by the World Bank’s Art Program “to identify artists who create wonderful work in their communities but may not have the means to market it.”
The Art Program was established in 1997, under President Jim Wolfensohn, and tasked with assembling a cohesive collection of art from developing nations that reflects the relationship of art to the Bank’s core mission of fostering social and economic progress. The Program has been focusing on Africa for the past two years, hosting a series of events under the title Africa Now! to celebrate the creativity of African artists and designers. The major exhibition opening marks the conclusion of that effort. Following the holidays, the Arts Program will turn its attention to the art of Latin America.
In addition to the contemporary works, which address themes ranging from freedom, justice, and women’s rights to folklore and ancient wisdom, the exhibition also includes traditional art, with the rich colors and simplified forms that influenced early 20th century artists such as Picasso. In addition, it includes a series of films by contemporary African directors; a 168-page color catalogue with essays by leading and emerging African experts on traditional and contemporary art; and an opening-day symposium with presentations by artists on the role of African artists in social change.
“The Arts Program does not just invest in art,” says Marina Galvani, “but also in the artists who create it. We hope to give them to kind of support that will enable them to become a force for progress in their countries.”
Visitors may click here for a schedule of guided tours and here for a PDF version of the exhibit catalogue.
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