Varanasi: An International Exhibition of African American Art, “NEGRITUDE” is being organized by Department of History of Art, Faculty of Arts in collaboration with Bharat Kala Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University, from March 2 to 7.
According to the BHU spokesperson, much of the works on display are nuanced narratives of African American history mingled with contemporary realities. This is the first time that the National Alliance of Artists from Historical Black Colleges and Universities (NAAHBCU), USA is organizing such exhibition in Asia, which is curated by Prof. Peggy Blood, Savannah State University, Georgia, USA.
The show explores “the black identity” in art and also the slow acceptance of Black art has mostly been due to prejudice, stereotypes and the misconception that the white world is not able to relate to works by African American artists. If one takes the race component out, Black art is relatable to all groups regardless of race or ethnicity.
The exhibition is scheduled to be inaugurated by the BHU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rakesh Bhatnagar at Bharat Kala Bhawan in the presence of Prof. Peggy Blood, the curator and Neeta Omprakash, the Indian Coordinator and other dignitaries.
