Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club is an extraordinary exhibition. The exhibition delves into the profound connection between Jacob Lawrence and his contemporaries in West Africa which is possible through the influential Nigerian publication Black Orpheus. This groundbreaking exhibition showcases over 125 objects, including Lawrence’s rarely-seen 1964-65 Nigeria series. Additionally, works by other artists featured in Black Orpheus, include archival images, videos, and letters. Let us explore this glorious exhibition together!
At the heart of the exhibition lies the Mbari Artists & Writers Club, a vibrant arts organization based in Nigeria. Comprised of artists, writers, and dramatists, the club aimed to promote modern African and international artistic practices. Central to their endeavors was the publication of the Mbari arts and culture magazine, Black Orpheus, which circulated fictional and non-fictional. The writings are only by African and African Diaspora writers. It also featured reviews of visual artists from across the African continent, as well as India, Brazil, Japan, Austria, the United States, and Germany. The Mbari Club also operated galleries in Lagos, Ibadan, and Osogbo, Nigeria. Furthermore, it provides a platform for many renowned artists, including Jacob Lawrence, to showcase their works.
Curated by Kimberli Gant and Ndubuisi Ezeluomba, the exhibition delves into how these artists grappled with representing their national and cultural identities in the context of post-colonialism. Their visually striking works aimed to resonate with local communities while also engaging with broader Eurocentric notions of modernity.
The exhibition offers a rich selection of artworks that span various mediums and styles. Notable pieces include Jacob Lawrence’s Nigeria series from 1964-65, which shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of his career. These works exemplify Lawrence’s mastery of gouache on paper and reveal his deep engagement with Nigerian culture and society.
Furthermore, the exhibition features artworks by the artists who were prominently featured in Black Orpheus. Ibrahim El-Salahi, Twins Seven-Seven, and Alexander “Skunder” Boghossian contributions to the art world were profound. Their works reflect their exploration of cultural identity and their artistic responses to the changing postcolonial landscape.
In addition to the artworks, the exhibition incorporates archival images, videos, and letters that provide valuable insights into the artists’ lives and creative processes. These supplementary materials offer a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which the artworks were produced.
The curators have meticulously curated the exhibition to create a cohesive and immersive experience for visitors. Visitors transition between artworks, guided through a journey that highlights artists’ interconnectedness and exploration of diverse themes.
Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club is not only a celebration of the artistic achievements of Jacob Lawrence and his contemporaries, but it also serves as a testament to the power of artistic exchange and collaboration across continents. By showcasing the works of these visionary artists, the exhibition underscores the universal language of art and its ability to bridge cultural boundaries and ignite conversations about identity, history, and the human experience.
The exhibition offers a captivating exploration of the interplay between African Americans and West African counterparts. Additionally, the exhibition is through the lens of the influential publication Black Orpheus. Through a diverse range of artworks, archival materials, and supplementary content, the exhibition invites visitors to delve into the artistic expressions of these trailblazing artists and gain a deeper appreciation for their contributions to the art world and their exploration of cultural identities in the wake of post-colonialism.
