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AFRICAN ART IS SPIRITUAL ENERGY THAT
Scientists have established that humankind originated in Africa. In the January 11, 1988 issue of Newsweek Magazine, an article written by John Tierney entitled "The Search for Adam and Eve," reported that the DNA of modern man apparently appeared in Africa some 200,000 years ago. At some point after this, a group of Africans migrated from sub-Saharan Africa and formed a second branch of DNA, carrying it to the rest of the world. These research findings indicate that all modern humans can trace their lineage back to Africa, because Africa is the only place evincing the existence of human life more than 200,000 years ago.
Some of the African art in this collection dates back
over 1,000 years BCE. As we begin to collect these precious masterpieces,
realize we are returning to retrieve that which "was lost or stolen
or strayed". African Art: the Diaspora and Beyond represents
the culmination of over three decades of reclaiming a legacy and is
grounded in the sculpture and masks of ancient Africa in the collection.
Travel to the African continent was necessary to increase understanding
of not only the art, but of the Africans who created these powerful
works. The hands bound by chains and the legs held firm by shackles
in the horrific dungeons of Ghana belonged to the same Africans who,
when they arrived in this land, worked the plantations, cut the sugarcane,
picked the cotton and tobacco, mined the gold, built the furniture and
houses and nurtured the children of their masters.
One positive consequence of this great and terrible legacy is that their children have themselves become the great painters, sculptors and potters whose art is present in museums, art galleries and homes today. These children have inherited the life energy with which this art is so richly endowed. It is the art of yesterday; the legacy left by our ancestors that has given rise to the art of today.
It is their art that is destined to withstand the test
of time, thereby becoming the classic art of tomorrow. With the constancy
of the rising and setting sun, our art regenerates itself year after
year and generation after generation. As one explores the ancient sites
of East and West Africa it becomes evident that the continent of Africa
served as mentor to the ancient world and profoundly contributed to
world civilization. It is important to recognize the spiritual expressions
of a people endowed with the ability to produce incredibly powerful
works of art. African art will give you whatever you demand of it, and
more. STEP INSIDE THE ARTIST'S WORLD It may be an Ethiopian equestrian icon of Saint George; or a Biblicalcomposition of Revelations depicting the 144 chosen
Johnson believes that by using a combination of spray, acrylic, oil and tempera paints, his windows are transmuted into precious creations. He presents us with unusual color combinations, thereby providing us with a stimulating experience. By making this link between the West and the African continent, Johnson has given us an invaluable gift. As he artistically interprets his world with a sensitive and discerning eye, Johnson is fast becoming a strong voice in the art world.
Music: "Clouds" by Marshall Titus - Used with permission |
