CMA curator of African Art, Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi aims to expand understanding of the arts of Africa through landmark acquisitions and innovative exhibition strategies that link historical, modern, and contemporary African arts. This lecture will consider the ways in which the historical artistic traditions in Africa continue to serve as a basis for contemporary artistic practices that abound on the continent today. Recent acquisitions to the museum’s African collection will be discussed, including Totem 01/01-18 (Baga-Batcham-Alunga-Kota) by Cameroonian artist Hervé Youmbi and Twilight of the Idols (Fetish) 3 by South African artist Kendell Geers, both currently on view in the African gallery.

THE FIRST ROBERT P. MADISON FAMILY DISTINGUISHED LECTURE IN AFRICAN & AFRICAN AMERICAN ART