Astonishment & Power: The Eyes of Understanding: Kongo Minkisi / The Art of Renee Stout
by Wyatt MacGaffey (Author), David C. Driskell (Introduction), Michael D. Harris (Author), National Museum of African Art (Washington D.C.) (Host Institute), Renée Stout (Artist), Sylvia H. Williams (Introduction)
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"Bringing together the minkisi tradition of the Kongo peoples of Central Africa and the art of Renée Stout, "Atonishment & Power" explores a complex African visual tradition and its resonance in the work of a contemporary African-American woman artist. Minkisi, as described by Wyatt MacGaffey, are figures or operative complexes made from natural and man-made materials are intended as containers for powerful medicines. Often visually impressive, minkisi are invoked to accomplish various show more purposes, both to heal and to harm. In discussing minkisi, MacGaffey includes numerous early-20th-century commentaries written by young Kongo men. As Michael Harris reveals, the art of Renée Stout incorporates the forms and conceptual qualities of Kongo minkisi. The inspiration for her work derives from her personal memories and her deep interest in minkisi and African beliefs. Like minkisi, Stout's work sits at a crossroads--of the sacred and the secular, the West and Africa. Both the Kongo people and Renée Stout are masters at creating works of astonishment and power, invocation and art."--Back cover. show lessTags
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Wyatt MacGaffey was formerly John R. Coleman Professor of Social Sciences at Haverford College.
David C. Driskell is a painter, author, leading African American art authority, recipient of ten honorary doctorates in art, noted curator, scholar, & lecturer, & an avid collector. His own paintings are in many public & private collections throughout the world. An exhibition of his personal collection has been touring museums in the United States show more for the past two years. He retired as distinguished University Professor of Art Emeritus from the University of Maryland, where he taught for twenty-two years. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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