Visit your UVI library during Black History Month to view the African Arts traveling exhibition – a presentation of graphics on silkscreen panels representing the plastic arts of Africa. The exhibition was developed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1971. Thirty-four panels will be on display in the Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library on the St. Thomas Campus and in the Melvin Evans Center for Learning on the Albert A. Sheen Campus throughout the month of February. There will be 17 panels each campus. This arrangement allows both locations an opportunity to view a portion of the exhibit.
“The panels feature the distinctive creativity of African art that is both pleasing to view and practical for society in African history – in the areas of spirituality and daily living,” said Director of Libraries Judith V. Rogers. “The exhibition is organized to bring to life the history, culture, conditions, geography, and vast wealth of materials employed by inhabitants of the diverse regions of Africa.”
The exhibits are broken down into sections:
- Items One -26 demonstrate use of materials and processes representing the settings and techniques used in various regions including: terracotta, ivory, wood, gold, soap-stone, and the lost-wax process.
- Items 27- 46 show the evidence of commerce and cultural interactions, order and creativity that disprove early reports of isolation of the regions.
- Items 47-132 cover the stylistic regions of the Sudan, Atlantic Coast and Forest, the Gulf of Guinea, Congo Basin and East and South.
The items from the regions presented identify linkages in style, origin of forms, and areas where crafts were perfected.
The traveling exhibition was developed by UNESCO from the holdings of museums in Africa, Europe, and North America. It was previously displayed at the Florence Williams Public Library.
The exhibit is available during regular library hours.
UVI library hours are as follows:
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
For more information contact Director of Libraries Judith V. Rogers at (340) 692-4132, (340) 693-1372 or jrogers@uvi.edu.