Thu 8/28 @ 5pm
Fri 8/29 @ 6pm
Cleveland State’s new Fall semester marks the university’s 50th anniversary. This semester is also the first in their transition to state-mandated, 3-credit hour classes. As freshmen arrive and upperclassmen return, the university is planning a number of Homecoming events. The Galleries at CSU are closing out the first week of classes by hosting two very special events.
Thursday evening, The Galleries at Cleveland State opens its new exhibition, At Home in Africa: Design, Beauty and Pleasing Irregularity in Domestic Settings. The exhibition will feature over 300 objects from more than two dozen countries and 75 ethnic groups.
The foundation of this exhibition features the CSU-owned Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center collection. A number of works were also generously loaned by The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Detroit Institute of Arts, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Kent State University School of Art Galleries, Kent State Museum, Denison University and private collectors.
Additionally, the gallery’s viewing room will feature a documentary by Eric Stiller of Ideastream (a CSU adjunct professor). The film highlights African residents of Cleveland; in particular, their memories of home, domestic spaces and objects.
“The goal of this exhibition is for our visitors to see Africa less as some exotic, remote, unfamiliar place, and more as a wonderful setting for people who do daily things just like the rest of us,” explained curator Dr. Kathy Curnow, a CSU African art history professor and Fulbright Scholar who has conducted research in Nigeria since 1983.
“The 300-plus objects offer a glimpse into the daily rhythms of African life and are examples of the reasons that African works have become such a key aspect of global design influence. As visitors learn more about African domestic life and these objects, we hope they’ll gain a deeper appreciation of African life and creativity, and they’ll feel more At Home in Africa.”
“Many people are unfamiliar with African cultures [not culture!], and some have very distorted ideas about the continent. Our exhibition is trying to redress that in multiple ways. One way is by displaying household items of extraordinary and unfamiliar beauty, which we hope will inspire designers and artists, as well as the general public. Another goal is to provide cultural insights regarding the objects, which can act as windows to better appreciation and understanding of lifestyles and solutions. beyond aesthetic value alone. If you already find African cultures exciting and stimulating, you’ll love the exhibition. If you already know a lot about African cultures, you’ll find some exciting surprises. If it’s all new to you, you’ll have a lot to savor.”
Dr. Curnow and CSU Gallery Director Robert Thurmer have planned an eclectic schedule of supplemental programming. On Sat 9/13, teachers of all disciplines throughout the region are invited to a special day dedicated to helping incorporate African history into their curriculum. The event features lectures, lesson plans and more. The following Sat 9/20, guests of the Sparx Gallery Hop can stop in the gallery to sample authentic, traditional African snacks and take pictures in wraps and hats. The last Saturday in September, Sat 9/27, is dedicated to fun for the whole family – featuring craft demonstrations, performances and a fashion show.
Friday evening, CSU’s gallery will host CAN Journal’s Fall Issue Launch Party. This quarter’s issue is another example of why CAN is such a valuable resource to our region. Along with the usual firsthand, insightful exhibition previews from Northeast Ohio’s art professionals, the Fall 2014 issue features a number of thoughtful, relevant feature articles.
“Fall 2014 CAN Journal will have its launch party 6-8 pm Friday evening at the Galleries at Cleveland State University,” explains CAN Journal’s editor Michael Gill. “Members and friends of CAN will be first to see our new issue, which (as usual) previews dozens of exhibits and other visual art programming coming up this Fall.”
The issue’s cover story discusses the recent restoration of Claes Oldenburg’s iconic “Free Stamp” by Cleveland’s own Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA). Editor Michael Gill takes a closer look at recent shows around town in which artists incorporate raw materials. CWRU’s Dr. Henry Adams profiles Chris Pekoc before his first solo show in 5 years (and second museum show of the year) at the Akron Art Museum. James Corcoran offers a new perspective on the ongoing discussion in regards to reviving the May Show at the Cleveland Museum of Art – as a new director begins a fresh chapter in the museum’s legacy.
With so much to take in, you’ll need at least two trips to see it all. Stop by this week for all the festivities. Both events (and supplemental events) are free and open to the public. At Home in Africa runs through Sat 10/4.
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.
Cleveland, OH 44115