Tag: african

Fred Wilson at Pace Gallery

Fred Wilson seems to bait his viewers by draining his show at Pace Gallery of color, presenting two austere bronzes in black and white, monochromatic flags from African and African diasporic countries, and more. The oversimplified dichotomy between black and white clashes with the variety of cultures represented by the sculpture and flags, encouraging a more nuanced engagement with racial difference. (In Chelsea through October 18th).

Fred Wilson, The Mete of the Muse, bronze with black patina and bronze with white paint, 2006.

‘Arman the Collector: The Artist’s Collection of African Art,’ at Paul Kasmin Gallery

Most prominent in post-war in France for his ‘accumulations,’ the artist Arman was also an avid collector of art from other cultures.  Paul Kasmin Gallery’s select show of pieces from Arman’s African collection features this mask from the Makonde of Tanzania, a type worn by young men in their initiation ceremonies.  (In Chelsea through Jan 11th.  Check website for holiday season opening hours.)  

Face Mask:  likomba, Makonde, Tanzania, wood, teeth, fiber, 24 x 10 x 9 inches with base.  From the collection of Arman.