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Eastfield Library presents Black Art: Ancestral Legacy

Carnival Participants in Demonic Guise, by Rigaud Benoit, 1973. Oil on masonite. The Flagg Collection, Milwaukee, WI. Photograph by Arnold Gore, courtesy of The Flagg Collection, Milwaukee, WI.

(Mesquite, TX) – Eastfield College Library (L200) presents Black Art: Ancestral Legacy, a Humanities Texas exhibit, February 4 –23.

This excellent photo-and-text exhibit of African American art is divided into four major groupings revealing the interwoven tapestry of folklore, history, spiritualism, and traditions present in African motifs. Throughout all, African heritage is the source of inspiration and creativity. The Legacy reveals the African beliefs and traditions retained through the devastation of slavery and the role of 20th century artists striving to keep those beliefs alive. Private Visions exemplifies the spiritualism, mysticism, and deep religious beliefs present in African American Art.  Reclamation examines that recent period in which African American artists traveled to Africa to publicly recognize their indebtedness to African heritage. The fourth grouping, Festivals and Rituals, reflects the traditions of African music, religion, dance, and public celebrations present in America and the Caribbean. A contemplative and educational exhibit, “Black Art: Ancestral Legacy” confirms the dependence of African American art on the traditions and customs of historical Africa.

Initiation--Liberia, Lois Mailou Jones, 1983. Acrylic on canvas, 1983. Collection of the artist. Photograph by Tom Jenkins, Dallas Museum of Art.	Mask for Mingus, by Ed Love, 1974. Welded steel. Collection of the artist. Photograph by Antonio A. Fernandez, Dallas Museum of Art.

The project was made possible in part with a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and Eastfield College Student Programs & Resources.

For more information, call 972-860-7168 or visit www.eastfieldcollege.com. This event is free to attend.

Fall/ Spring Hours:
Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday                     7:30 a.m. –   4:30 p.m.
Saturday                 9:00 a.m. –   2:00 p.m.

Eastfield College, one of the seven Dallas County Community Colleges, is located at 3737 Motley Drive in Mesquite, just north of I-30.