Art With A Message: Group Exhibit Carries Forward UN Resolution

At some level, most, if not all, art pieces carry an ideological or political charge. Artist and curator Adrienne Wheeler has created “Resolution,” a 20-artist, 53-piece show at the Montclair Public Library. It is a compelling exhibit with a compelling mission. It opened last week, runs through Feb. 27, and the public is welcome to a reception for the artists this Thursday, Feb 17 at 5 p.m.

First a few words about Wheeler. She has had long, strong ties with some of the artists in “Resolution”; she represents a few in her Adrienne Wheeler Gallery on line. (For a few years, the gallery was brick and mortar in New York City.) Wheeler now resides in Newark but maintains deep ties to the Montclair community where she long lived—some of you may recall her antique shop on Glen Ridge Ave. Wheeler grew up as the beloved niece of an artist aunt and uncle who traveled in Romare Bearden’s circle, but she only started creating her own art later in life.  Some of her works in mixed media assemblage and found objects are currently on exhibit at MoCADA, the Museum of Contemporary African America Diaspora Art in Brooklyn. These include a monumental figure, 9 feet tall, evoking Congolese healing pieces.

But right now, she wants to talk about “Resolution.” “I can’t wear both an artist hat and a curator hat at the same time; I see that as a conflict of interest.” Wheeler said.

The show is part of her pledge to help fulfill United Nation Resolution A/RES. 64/169 proclaiming 2011 the "International Year for People of African Descent." The resolution calls in part for strengthening “the greater knowledge of and respect for [the] diverse heritage and culture” of people of African descent.

When offered the opportunity to curate this exhibit, Wheeler pounced. “I believe in the art and the mission,” Wheeler said.

Q. How did you find these artists; these works?

A. I first called on the artists in my circle, including some such as Bisa Washington whom I represent. Then the circle expanded as artists and gallery owners made recommendations or I saw other works: I visited many galleries and saw works both by artists known to me and new to me.

Sometimes I went to an artist’s studio to request a given work, then would see something totally unexpected that I wanted, too.

Q. Can you give us an example?

A. Ibou Ndoye is a Senegalese born artist, known for his glass paintings and  carpet pieces, he paints on traditional carpets. When I went to his studio, I went downstairs and noticed saw some small, metal sculptures—very simple, they remind me of Giacometti. These are now on view in the library’s display cases.

Q. What drew you to the works in this exhibit?

A. I have an eclectic eye and am drawn to many things. I love abstraction, sculpture, traditional art, textiles, photography, works on paper. Each of these artists is very strong; I would do a solo show featuring every one of them.

Q. How are these artists and their art related to the African Diaspora?

A. Most are related to the African Diaspora through their own heritage but I do not exclude anyone. For example some are of Euro-Cuban descent. But all are supportive of the resolution in their work and lives and art.

 Some of the works make clear references to African culture. For example, Washington is Newark based and African American. Her mixed media work consciously calls on African artistic traditions. Jose Camacho makes political statements.

Camacho's outline maps of Puerto Rico in collage, charcoal, graphite and wax include  superimposed text such as MANDINGO, a reference to the West African people displaced by the Atlantic slave trade.

Nationally recognized artist Terry Boddie discussed his works. Asked about his method and message in “Labyrinth,” the 2007 work on paper pictured here, he wrote me an interpretive statement: “This image juxtaposes two elements, the artist's fingerprint and a sugar plantation ledger from the island of his birth, Nevis in the Eastern Caribbean. It examines the process by which ones culture and identity may be impacted and shaped by historical events. The fingerprint in this context is can be seen as a maze, but is also a declarative index of person-hood.

In “Labyrinth,” Boddie employs both photography and mark making—the mechanical and the highly personal. Boddie’s studio and  Freeman St. Oualie Gallery are in the West Orange/ Orange Valley Arts District (VAD).

As to the future, the UN Resolution calls for a full year of initiatives. Wheeler commented on what was next:

“The idea is to keep this moving, I hope for a series of shows through this year and beyond,” Wheeler said. That hope continues on Feb. 25 when she and “Resolution” exhibiting artist Toni Thomas, the founding force behind Newark’s Catfish Collective of artists, present “Diaspora” at Thomas’ YEMA Gallery, also on Freeman St. in  the VAD. Diaspora is co-curated by Wheeler and Thomas and presents seven other artists whose work explores their connection to the Diaspora.

Here is the complete list of artists on view at the Montclair Public Library: Anana V. Jackson, USA; Bisa Washington, USA; Carlos Mateu, Cuba; Danny Simmons, USA; Eduardo “Choco” Roca, Cuba, Eric Rucker, USA; Ibou Ndoye, Senegal; Irene Wheeler (1917 – 2003), USA;  Jerry Gant, USA; Jose Camacho, Puerto Rico; Julia Valdes, Cuba; Laura L. Cuevas, USA; Marco Villa Lobo, USA/Mexico; Noelle Lorraine Williams, USA; Raul Villarreal, Cuba; Robert Blackburn (1920 – 2003), USA;Terry Boddie, Nevis; Toni Thomas, USA; Ujima Majied, USA and Zethray Peniston, USA.

“Resolution” is on view through Feb. 27 during library hours.  The Montclair Public Library is at 50 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair.  Area artists and arts organizations may  contact the Montclair Public Library (973) 744-0500 ext. 2221 for information regarding the MPL exhibit space.

What are your thoughts about this exhibit?