The Samford Art Gallery’s 2017-18 season opens with Between the Shadow and the Light: An Exhibition Out of South Africa which is presented by the School of the Arts Division of Art and Design and anima: the Center for Worship and the Arts.
This group exhibition includes the works of ten North American artists and ten African artists, who were selected for a creative seminar, R5, in South Africa in 2013. The charge for these artists was to return home and create works born out of the cross-cultural experience and dialogue. Two of the artists represented are Samford faculty Joe Cory and Larry Thompson. The exhibition was first shown at the McKenna Museum for African American Art in New Orleans in 2014 and has now been exhibited in 10 states. Samford is the 13th stop of this important exhibition.
Cory said, “We are excited to present this impactful exhibition to the Samford community. The artwork on display represents a conversation between 10 North American artists and 10 southern African artists in response to a life-changing trip we took to South Africa together in 2013. During that trip, we witnessed first-hand the powerful role the visual arts can play in racial reconciliation and healing. Because of our location and connection to the Civil Rights movement, I hope this exhibition will resonate with the community in a positive way and create a healthy dialogue surrounding these very relevant issues.”
The exhibit is on display Sept. 4–Oct. 3 and features several special events. On Tuesday, Sept. 12 there will be a reception from 5:15-7 p.m. prior to the School of the Arts Faculty Gala. Cory and Thompson will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the exhibit with guests.
On Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. in Bolding Studio, a panel discussion with Rachel Smith, art historian and curator of the exhibition, artists Margaret Allotey-Pappoe, Joe Cory, Larry Thompson, and Eric Mathis, director of anima: the Center for Worship and the Arts will take place with a reception following in the gallery.
The Samford Art Gallery is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and is free to the public.