International Visions: The Gallery

Some of the themes I focused on for this week:
-Culmination of cultures, and the expansion of our visual vocabulary thanks to globalization, increased exposure, etc.
-Craft, process and skill. I love the idea of the "artisanal" even though traditionally, craft was considered to be a more lower form of art. I think the collection needs a painting that really displays the artist's skill and expertise, and how even in the 21st century (where you can just use short-cuts to create a beautiful image), people still value that personal, expert touch.
(I'm sorry I couldnt post any pictures, for some reason my connection is really, really bad).
Wadsworth Jarrell:

"Wadsworth Jarrell emerged on the Chicago art scene just as the Civil Rights Movement was rapidly escalating. As an African American artist, he felt compelled to produce relevant works that would not only echo the liberation movement, but influence the visual identity of black culture. As a founding member of COBRA (Coalition of Black Revolutionary Artists), which evolved into AFRICOBRA----AFRICOBRA’s mission was to create a sense of solidarity and impact change through the establishment of a recognizable black aesthetic. This visual language would pull from traditional African art forms, luminous colors, rhythmic patterns, and black subject matter to evoke pride, power, and self-awareness. With Jarrell’s input, the group challenged the widely held belief that “protest art” was could not be considered art at all."
http://www.inter-visions.com/WJarrell.asp


Stanley Agbontaen:

"Stanley Osaheni Agbontaen grew up on Benin City Edo state, South-south Nigeria. Stanley studied at The Creative Art Academy but before finishing his two year training, he gained admission to acquire a national diploma in General & Fine Art in Auchi Polytechnic. He stood out as one of the best sculpting students in his time, though to much surprise, he majored in painting. He had developed a strong passion for colors, and just seeing the colors of his works gave him inner joy & fulfillment.  Agbontaen using a palette knife and oil paint achieves amazing action packed sceneries, similar to what Ghanian artists, Ablade Glover is known for. "
http://www.inter-visions.com/SAgbontean.asp

Helen Zughaib:
"Helen Zughaib, a native of Lebanon, is inspires by both Middle Eastern and American cultures. Working in gouache, she makes paintings with contemporary imagery, while her use of color, intricate detail and pattern makes reference to her roots in traditional Middle Eastern art."
http://www.inter-visions.com/Zughaib2.asp