The Grand Tourist
THE FACES OF FREEDOM; An Interview with Sculptor Leilah Babirye
Traditional African art is one of the least traveled byways for collectors these days—not because these objects aren’t stunning and complex, but because they are rare and too often overshadowed by flashier contemporary art.
The carving up of Africa from 1876 until 1912, between Germany, France, Britain, Belgium, Portugal, Italy and Spain, brought all manner of curiosities back to Europe in the baggage of soldiers and merchants.
Peruse the auction records of late and it’s clear that everyone who’s anyone can’t get enough of modern and contemporary art and midcentury furniture.
Wood sculptures and masks created by remote cultures for use in daily life and ritual will be on view, combined with classical bonsai in the unique exhibit: “Mastering Worlds; Exploring Space & Scale in Tribal and Asiatic Art.” The exhibit runs from May 13-17 at 291 7th Ave. PH, in New York, NY.
