Harn’s Family Day offer new look at contemporary African art

March 12, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Visitors at the Harn Museum of Art’s Family Day on March 24 will discover common elements that connect international contemporary artwork and create artwork inspired by the African exhibitions currently on display.

“A New View: Contemporary African Art” will examine African art from past and present through the exhibition “Continuity and Change: Three Generations of Ethiopian Artists,” specifically looking at the mixed media pieces by Zerihun Yetmgeta titled “Wax and Gold” and “Yesterday and Today.” Following the tour and discussion, guests will create their own contemporary artwork through segmented panel self-portraits using fabric, fabric pens and wood.

“Continuity and Change” imparts a story of modern and contemporary art in Ethiopia from the 1940s to present and explores the roles of government support of artists as part of the modernization of the country. The exhibition, on display through April 29, 2007, features artists largely unknown outside of Ethiopia who were and are active in Addis Ababa within the context of political and social upheavals of 20th century Ethiopia.

Family Day runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information about the Harn Museum of Art, call 352-392-9826 or visit www.harn.ufl.edu on the Web.