A common perception of Africa is that it is one big country, historically complex and rife with beauty, turmoil and change. Though the history and “beauty, turmoil and change” aspects are true, the fact of the matter is that Africa is a continent, with over 50 countries, each home to many languages (there are over 100 languages/dialects in Nigeria alone), ethnic variations and cultures—especially in art and music. All of this gives rise to the fact that there is more art—and more styles of art—produced in Africa than one could view in a lifetime.
Scott and Barbara Hudson, owners of the eponymously named Hudson Gallery, 5645 Main St. in Sylvania, have taken on the task of showing our community a good chunk of that art. Predominantly 2D, the show, “Africas—Contemporary Works from the Continent,” represents the largest showcase to date of contemporary artwork from the African continent in our region. You'll note the repeated use of the word “contemporary.”
“There's a whole junky tourist trade of crappy African masks and forged antiquities,” says Scott. “We're not dealing with any of that—ours is more modern.”
Developing the idea
Which is no small feat for this 2500 square foot gallery. When the idea for the show was put forth a couple of years ago, the Hudsons started receiving emails from artists from Africa. They were taken aback by this outpouring and immediately adopted a cautious manner in selecting artists. “We're dipping our toes in this,” says Scott. “I understand the artists' enthusiasm, but the fact of the matter is that we have a limited market, a limited budget and a limited space—and we're by no means experts in this. We have to go slow, and that's just sort of our nature, too.” It also became apparent early on how hungry these artists were to have their work shown in the states. “It's a really crazy, chaotic world that they work in,” says Scott. For example, the Gallery Watatu in Nairobi, Kenya, notes that 90% of sales from their gallery comes from the USA.
Assistance in assembling
One of the gallery's regular clients, Marguerite Michaels, once lived and worked in Nigeria as the Bureau Chief for Time magazine. She is a collector of art from Africa, and got the ball rolling for this show. In addition to Ms. Michaels' input, the Hudsons also received guidance from the Smithsonian Gallery in D.C. and another family in that area who were collectors.
“It's important to note that the artists in this show want to be known as 'artists who are from Africa'—not 'African artists,'” says Barbara. “We're trying to respect where they're going with their careers”
The show which runs from Oct. 5 thru Nov. 2, will feature a talk during the Open House on Oct. 5, by Nigerian artist Tunde Odunlade, who is also a musician, dancer, actor and represents other artists from Africa. He is an internationally acclaimed print and textile artist, who has taught and lectured in Africa, as well as the United States and Europe. “He is very gregarious, animated and entertaining,” says Barbara.
“Africas—Contemporary Works From the Continent” promises to be an important show, as well as a sheer joy for your optic nerves.
Opens Saturday, October 5. 10am-6pm Tuesday through Friday; 10am-3pm Saturday. Free. Hudson Gallery, 5645 Main St., Sylvania.
419-885-8381. hudsongallery.net
