Dogon art is primarily a sculptural expression, largely figurative in subject matter. The themes are based on religious subjects and cultural attributes. Interestingly such works are kept in the privacy of family homes, largely in secret. Perhaps this is due to the symbolic and ceremonial nature of the work. The Dogon learned early on to work with iron, which adds a complex medium to the strength of the artists' vision.
The Dogon people have an interesting history. They are quite singular in West African culture in that they have resisted conversion to Islam and Christianity, maintaining their theocratic system based around the ancestor spirit, Nommo. To achieve this cultural integrity after the breakup of the Mali empire around 1500 c.e., they assimilated with the Tellem culture where they centered themselves in the security of the Bandiagara escarpment on the Niger River. Their architecture is extraordinary and unique. Their art works are integral with the Dogon way of life, depicting or embodying various concepts in functional and ceremonial sculptures and paintings.
The pieces in this exhibition are on loan the Plymouth State University from Projectguggenheim. Founded by Hans Guggenheim, Projectguggenheim [www.projectguggenheim.org] strives to give students the opportunity to learn about their own traditions as well as about the traditions of others, and to test their own potential with new ideas, tools and techniques in spite of technical obstacles such as great distances, difficult lines of communication and a scarcity of funds.Projectguggenheim was founded based on contacts with artists in remote areas of the world, responding to their expressed desire to become more knowledgeable about the traditions of their own culture. In his sponsorship of education and cultural understanding, Hans Guggenheim has loaned various parts of his collection for exhibition.
Lecture by Hans Guggenheim
Tuesday, May 7, 7:00pm
Smith Recital Hall
Silver Center for the Arts
Exhibition on display
May 7 - May17
Karl Drerup Art Gallery
Draper & Maynard Building
The exhibition will be open for viewing from 6-7pm before the lecture on May 7th.
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