Through African Eyes: The European in African Art, 1500 to Present
Detroit Institute of Arts - 06/01/2010
Through African Eyes rests on the premise that African perceptions of the European over timewere neither monolithic nor static. It recognizes that many African societies alternately incorporated, rejected, and transformed elements of European cultures. By examining evolving trends in African use of European objects in particular cultures, the exhibition addresses the complexity of African responses to the European presence, presenting exciting new interpretations of this cultural dialogue.
By contextualizing African works that imitate, distort, criticize, or poke fun at the white "other," Through African Eyes will raise compelling questions: for instance, when is parody humor, and when is it a form of resistance against Western domination? The exhibition casts the European as the cultural "other" and this reversal of the usual Eurocentric perspective suggests the exhibition will be sobering and thought-provoking. African voices will permeate the exhibition and its interpretive strategies to insure that its intellectual conclusions are reinforced by opinions expressed by Africans.
A 200-page exhibition catalogue will include essays by recognized experts and numerous color and black-and-white illustrations that will expand on the ideas conveyed by the exhibition.
Tickets
Adults: $12
Adult Groups (15+): $10
Youth (ages 6-17): $6
DIA Members: FREE
Price includes museum admission and a multimedia tour. Purchase at the DIA Box Office, at dia.org, or by calling 1.866.DIA.TIXS (1.866.342.8497). A $3.50 handling charge applies to all nonmember tickets, except those sold at the DIA. Advanced purchase of timed tickets recommended. Final admission into the exhibition is one hour prior to closing.
Fridays only: Exhibition is free with museum admission. No advanced tickets available except for groups of 15 or more.
