Astonishment and power
By: [Introduction by Sylvia H. Williams and David C. Driskell].
Contributors: Macgaffey, Wyatt.; Harris, Michael D., 1948-; Williams, Sylvia H.; Driskell, David C.; National Museum of African Art (U.S.)
Publisher: Published for the National Museum of African Art by the Smithsonian Institution Press
Published: 1993
Place of publication: Washington
Language: eng
Number of pages: 160
Subjects: Stout, Renée -- Exhibitions; Kongo (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies -- Influence; Kongo (African people) -- History
Other titles: Astonishment & power.
Description: "Bringing together the minkisi tradition of the Kongo peoples of Central Africa and the art of Renée Stout, "Atonishment & Power" explores a complex African visual tradition and its resonance in the work of a contemporary African-American woman artist. Minkisi, as described by Wyatt MacGaffey, are figures or operative complexes made from natural and man-made materials are intended as containers for powerful medicines. Often visually impressive, minkisi are invoked to accomplish various purposes, both to heal and to harm. In discussing minkisi, MacGaffey includes numerous early-20th-century commentaries written by young Kongo men. As Michael Harris reveals, the art of Renée Stout incorporates the forms and conceptual qualities of Kongo minkisi. The inspiration for her work derives from her personal memories and her deep interest in minkisi and African beliefs. Like minkisi, Stout's work sits at a crossroads--of the sacred and the secular, the West and Africa. Both the Kongo people and Renée Stout are masters at creating works of astonishment and power, invocation and art."--Back cover.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 157-159).
Cover title: Astonishment & power.
Published in conjunction with an exhibition at the National Museum of African Art, Washington D.C., April 28, 1993-January 2, 1994.
Table of contents: title: The eyes of understanding : Kongo minkisi / Wyatt MacGaffey; title: Resonance, transformation, and rhyme : the art of Renée Stout / Michael D. Harris.