The Ideals of a Culture – African Art Exhibit Casts Wild Side in a Different Light Author: Richard Oliver

Everybody enjoys admiring ancient wonders; some travel hundreds of miles just to see exhibits. But sometimes the best place to visit is in your own backyard. Such is the case with the new exhibit, “Symbolic Use of Animals in African Cultural Arts” – conveniently situated at the Terminal T Gallery, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, hosting the event. The exhibit opened in October of 2007, will continue through October of 2008. “The main object of African culture is to maintain cultural order, and much of that order is maintained through harmony with nature and animals,” says Herman Bigham, the curator for Herman Bigham and Associates. The exhibit is comprised of over 150 sculptures of various mediums, including bronze, wood, from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries.

According to Bigham, the art conveys the idea that “people without a sense of their cultural history and values, are doomed.” Western ideals often convey nature in an altogether different light. In many cases, animals are depicted as wild, dangerous, and are hunted and killed. Bigham says that the Airport exhibit conveys a much different approach. “Africans have always lived life in connection with nature,” he says. “The great respect that they have for nature is reflected in this art exhibit.” In discussing a distinct sculpture in which an African woman rides bareback a leopard, Bigham describes it as a “symbol that we should be striving toward harmony with nature – not control.” In similar sculptures, animals are shown as compliments of humans, rather than victims. Within another sculpture, alligators lie with their bellies crossed – supporting the notion, Bigham says, that “When one eats, we all eat.” This concept of reciprocity, though instinctually engaged in nature, often turns up short on the human side. “We, as humans, are so frail [when compared with alligators], but can be so fierce when it comes to sharing,” says Bigham.

Regardless of how one interprets the exhibit, one thing is for sure: it will have a definite impact on the more than thirty-five million people who pass through the airport yearly. Herman Bigham says, “It is the largest exhibit in terms of size, power, quality, as well as exposure of African culture Art in an public venue.” The collection is assembled from loans from private collections of individuals belonging to Herman Bigham and Associates. Noted collectors include Robin Potter and Peter Gould, as well as others. Bigham has gained success by developing relationships with distinct collectors & institutions with high quality art, which participate in lending materials to events such as the Airport Exhibit.

According to him, though many highly anticipate the exhibit eagerly, a major museum curator said, “It’s most regrettable that the exhibit will be hosted at the Airport.” This comment reflects the position that many Western “scholars” and museums have held African cultural arts hostage. For years, such arts have been a tremendous source of revenue. “Recently, at Sotheby’s [auction house in New York], a Benin head sold in excess of $6 million,” says Bigham. Other auctions in places including Paris, France, have sold pieces for over $4 million – demonstrating the immense economic and cultural power involved in controlling the circulation of artwork. Oftentimes, such prices reflect the values determined by museums, which control the exposure, importance and resultant value. Herman says, “We’ve already received an incredible response from different groups”.