By Doreen Bernardini
An exhibition of contemporary African art at the RVCC gallery opened with a fundraising auction to raise money for the people of Darfur, Africa on Oct. 5.
“Out of Africa,” on display through October 25, features the work of five artists from various African nations, and one African American artist from New Jersey.
“This exhibit is a fulfillment of a dream I have had ever since I started working with Art History,” said Vandana Nadkarni, the show’s curator. “I’m a historian. It is my passion. Why? It is working with art and helping people. It is not just an exhibit; it is helping a worthy cause, making students aware and receptive to different world cultures.”
The paintings are oil on canvas and oil on bark cloth. The works depict social and political turbulence in Africa with vivid color and brushstrokes. There is one silk screen print. Photographs of Africa by three students who recently traveled there are also on display.
The opening reception included talks by Professor Nadkarni, representatives from Help Darfur Now, and Walton R. Johnson, former chairman of the African Studies and Anthropology department at Rutgers University. Artists Indira Bailey of Scotch Plains and Duhirwe Rushemeza of Rwanda also attended. Painters Ritah Nabuyungo Edopu and Joan Kekimuri of Uganda, Andriana Aboagye of Ghana and Mercy Moyo of Zimbabwe did not.
.
Ticket sales and proceeds from an auction conducted by Carol Remmy of the Antiques Roadshow and Sotheby’s Auction House raised a total of $3,215. Tickets sales and donations were $765, and auction sales brought in $2,450 for nonprofits Help Darfur Now and F3B, a basketball camp cultural exchange program for teenage American and African girls.
The gallery is open Monday, 3-8 p.m., Tuesday, noon-3 p.m., Wednesday, 3-8 p.m., Thursday, 3-6 p.m., and Friday, noon-3 p.m. Admission is free. For information about purchasing a piece, or other details, call (908) 218-8876.
For information about the charities, visit helpdarfur.org and f3bscholars.org.
|
|
