Chicago museum to host African arts exhibits
Sunday July 6, 2008
CHICAGO – The Art Institute of Chicago will explore the African continent this summer with the exhibition "Benin – Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria," which will be mounted only at the Chicago museum.
It opens Thursday.
The Art Institute also will present this summer "Passport to Africa," a series of ancient and contemporary expressions such as art, music, theater and movement from across sub-Saharan Africa.
The Benin exhibition showcases 220 royal sculptures and artifacts from the Benin Kingdom of Nigeria, including finely cast bronze figures, altar heads, wall plaques, and staffs of office; sculpted ivories; royal regalia and jewelry in brass, coral, and ivory; and other accoutrements of court life spanning six centuries.
Planned with the most prominent scholars of Benin art, history and culture, as well as the cooperation of reigning Oba Erediauwa and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria, the exhibition will bring international attention and new perspectives to Benin art.
Additional gallery talks in July and August will focus on African art in the museum's permanent collection.
Other highlights during the museum's celebration of African culture are musical and performance programs from many artists, including the Muntu Dance Theatre Chicago on July 19;, Yves François and Rocambu Jazz, Aug. 2; the Occidental Brothers Dance Band International, Aug. 16; and the Taylor/Morikeba Duo, Sept. 13.
For a full list of "Passport to Africa" events, log on to the Art Institute Web site: www.artinstituteofchicago.org.
The Art Institute has also partnered with the Old Town School of Folk Music to present a lineup of stellar world and folk musicians such as the Victor Pichardo Group, Lamajamal, the Teflons and the Eric Noden Duo, all in McKinlock Court on Thursday and Friday evenings this summer.
Through Labor Day, the Art Institute summer hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Admission after 5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays is free, with the sponsorship of Target.
After Labor Day, the Art Institute will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; from 10:30 a.m to 8 p.m. Thursday; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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