Farnsworth fills with African-American wave
Not very often does a Rice student get to experience the diversity of the Houston community without leaving the hedges, but the 11th Annual Citywide African-American Art Exhibition in Farnsworth Pavilion this month provides that opportunity. Farnsworth was one of 10 venues chosen by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to showcase the artwork of 28 emerging African-American artists. Most of the artists have a lifelong connection with Houston, while others studied in Louisiana or Oklahoma before returning to the city.
The artworks on view at each venue are not thematically divided but rather provide an eclectic example of African-American art from different perspectives. Although not all of the artists have studied art professionally, they do represent different professional backgrounds.
For example, Dr. Larry L. Cole taught physical organic chemistry at Prairie View University while painting in his spare time. His Egyptian-themed work “Tutankhamun Wife Lotus Flower” prominently graces the back wall of Farnsworth. And Michael Kahlil, creator of “Reflection Eternal,” a collection of family portraits over time, attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He is also Houston’s 2005 Poetry Grand Slam Champion and curator of last year’s art exhibition, Future Present Series at the Midtown Center Tea Room Art Gallery.
The art showcased at Farnsworth showcases only one example of each artist’s body of work, giving the exhibit an eclectic feel. A traditional still-life painting of a silver tray with an overturned cup and saucer hangs a few frames down from Shanon Dockworth’s “Crackhead.” The painting depicts a deranged wooden puppet with an exposed heart being traumatized by a pipe and a menacing raven.
Another large painting on the same wall depicts King Tut just opposite Kahlil’s “Reflection Eternal.” None of the paintings are obviously related thematically or temporarily, with the exception of the two representations of King Tut. But this lack of thematic cohesion does not detract from the exhibition as a whole. Instead it highlights the diversity of the artists’ experiences and styles. The bright, contemporary colors common to many of the pieces particularly help to provide cohesion, as do the common themes of heritage, religion and human experience.
Not all of the paintings at Farnsworth show the skill of a professional artist, but all engage viewers with their originality. Dune Micheli Patten’s “Barcarolli- un[F]inished Composition (My Love is Broken for You)” gathers wood boards into what appears to be a bunch of palm leaves to represent musical staffs. On the “staffs” one discerns an incomprehensible musical composition which finally grades into red. As a contrast to Patten’s modern creation, Ted Ellis’s “Mama Always With Her Bible,” a traditional Southern porch scene in deep browns, hangs close on the following wall.
Many of the artists featured are not currently professionals, but many seek to be. The exhibit’s sponsor, the African American Art Advisory Association (Five-A), aims to help the artists fulfill their goals by awarding a $500 prize to the top piece. The judges, Floyd Newsum and Leslie Hewitt from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University, are artists themselves. Past exhibitors, such as Robert Pruitt and Jabari Anderson, have gone on to exhibit their work at the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston and Lawndale Art Center.
A greater selection of media from these artists can be found at the other venues across town (the list is available at the Student Center’s Web site), including video installations and sculpture. This exhibition has shown every year at Rice and provides an excellent opportunity for Rice students to become acquainted with the culture of their city and to support Houston’s young, underrepresented artists.
Marshall Robinson/ Thresher staff
Artist Dune Michell Patten discusses his work with patrons.
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