Out of Africa: The TransAfrica Exhibit

December 16, 1997

How to keep the momentum going from a big win? That's the question the Orlando Museum of Art was facing prior to the opening of their latest show, TransAfrican Art Invitational Exhibition. In order to build on the success of the Imperial Tombs of China exhibit, and maybe even to make a dent in the "no-culture-that-doesn't-wear-mouse-ears" gripe often aimed at this city, the OMA needed to put together a solid show on a smaller scale.

I'd say they've succeeded. The show features a balanced survey of visual and sculptural work from several countries, and most of the pieces fit together well for a collection of work by different artists. Most of the visual work, for example, alternates between vibrant, colorful pieces and more moody work - but with balance, most of them carrying a tone of richness that seems like a common thread between them.

The preview info mentioned a show that "explores the influence of Africa's cultural heritage on artists in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the United States", so I was expecting a bit more of a historical overview, and I was surprised to see that the majority of the works were dated in the 90s, many from this year. (Not a problem, just a bit of adjustment - like going to a movie and finding out it's different than what the trailers suggested.) You can see the influences of traditional African Art forms in most of the pieces, though, so perhaps the show's answer to the influences of African Art is more subtle, an undercurrent in the work of modern artists rather than something more documentable.

The staging of the exhibition was professional; it's good to see the OMA crew has kept some of the spaces they created for Imperial Tombs. In fact, I wandered about after, looking at the main exhibit to see any changes in the permanent collection's appearance following the new renovations, and I was pleased with what I saw. The Museum still has a ways to go, but it's encouraging to see them taking steps in the right direction.

(The exhibit plays until February 15, and it's worth the $4 admission. For more info, phone (407) 896-4231 or check out the OMA web site.)

Gary Ritzenthaler
While I wait for my "Most College Credits without any Financially Useful Knowledge" record to be recognized by the Guiness Book people, you can find me working on web sites and other new media whatnot at PUSH, Orlando's coolest ad agency. I also manage a small company to launder money from a few ill-advised web projects of my own creation. During my spare time I often can be found consorting with artists, writers, computer geeks, and other shady characters. I've been told that I don't have a very firm grasp on reality; I'm still deciding whether this is an insult or a compliment.