Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-02-28 21:15:28
The Brooklyn Museum in New York is currently showcasing a series of large-scale paintings titled “Bread, Butter and Power (2018)” by artist Meleko Mokgosi, who hails from Francistown, Botswana. These vibrant works are part of the “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” exhibition, curated by the renowned music couple, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. The exhibition opened on February 10th and will run until July 7th, 2024.
The “Giants” exhibition aims to celebrate the diversity and talent within African American art, giving viewers the opportunity to connect with artists both known and unknown. Alicia Keys expressed the desire for visitors to feel connected, emotional, and discover new artists while exploring the exhibition. The name “Giant” refers to the extraordinary artists featured, the monumental size of the artworks on display, and a call to inspire individuals to become collectors of their own culture.
Meleko Mokgosi’s “Bread, Butter and Power” series tackles themes of gender politics and power structures in southern Africa by drawing inspiration from 18th Century European history paintings. The paintings shift between exterior and interior scenes, individual and group shots, all while incorporating iconography related to gendered divisions of labor and societal issues specific to local contexts. The series, when viewed in sequence, delves into the intersections of colonialism, nationalism, class, and democracy in Botswana and neighboring countries.
The imagery depicted in Mokgosi’s paintings resonates with Batswana culture, featuring scenes of school children in uniforms, traditional hairstyles, porcelain dogs, Herero women in traditional attire, and the iconic portrait of Mother and Child commonly found in Botswana households. The exhibition not only showcases Mokgosi’s work but also includes pieces from 37 artists and over 100 artworks from Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ impressive art collection.
The exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore and engage with a diverse range of artistic expressions. Through the powerful and thought-provoking works on display, viewers are encouraged to reflect on societal issues, cultural heritage, and the complexities of history. “Bread, Butter and Power” by Meleko Mokgosi stands as a testament to the artist’s talent and his ability to provoke conversations about important themes through his art.
Overall, the “Giants” exhibition is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the richness of African American art, showcasing the work of talented artists like Meleko Mokgosi alongside other established figures in the art world. It serves as a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of our society and culture.
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