The latest exhibition by Creative Women of Color, on display at the Shot Tower at Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, offers a rare glimpse into the inspiration and inner workings of some of the cities most talented minds.
Visually the collection is a trove filled with marvelous treasures created by local artists Alisa Mbinakar, Antoinette. Savage, April Sunami, Janet George, Queen Brooks and many others. A dozen contemporary female artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds have reached into their cultural roots and historical memories to find common human ground in the motifs of family and spirituality. And the results? Characteristically stellar.
Ms. Skinnie Minnie, one of many dolls created by Antoinette Savage stands front and center to greet guests as they arrive. "My art is in honor of my ancestors," she explains. She creates the wire and fabric figures, which represent cultural archetypes within the African American community in the hopes that viewers will feel a connection to the vibrant colors and patterns and to their spirits.
For a striking depiction of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity one need look no further than Inner Child by Alisa Mbinakar in which the subjects, holdings hands in a straight line appear indistinguishable from one another, except for one who raises her arms in victory in the foreground.
Similarly insighful is Inspiration Found, a mixed-media work by Queeen Brooks. The streak of vibrant color running against an otherwise black background represents the fleeting spark of creative inspiration that comes at the start of the creative process, brilliant yet transient and easy to miss.
Piney Liggins focuses on the theme of spirituality, more specifically that passed down by her African ancestors in Silent Wisdom, a large scale piece structured around a rain stick draped with ancient proverbs and other decor. It demonstrates a flair for the unexpected by incorporating the element of sound.
The overall impression of the show is a stylistic cacophany that perfectly captures the diversity and complexity of the contributors artistic visions.
Landscapes of Our Minds will remain on display through March 28 at 546 Jack Gibbs Blvd from 8am to 4pm on weekdays and until 6pm on weekends. For more information call 614-365-6681 or visit www. shottowergallery.com.
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