Date: February 3, 2006
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, Illinois, February 3, 2006 - A unique and exceptional art exhibit coming to Governors State University offers viewers the opportunity to visit another continent, in another time. They will experience, through the lens of such noted photographers as Kazimir Ostoja Zagorski, the world of central Africa in the early years of the last century.
The Art Gallery at Governors State University will host, “Images of Central Africa, Archival Photographs from the Gelbard Collection,” from February 22 to March 8. Vintage archival photographs and postcards by Zagorski, images taken by other photographers, and objects of African art will be on display.
“To enable us to see the images better and to increase the dramatic impact of these marvelous pieces of art, we have used high resolution scanners to enlarge these vintage postcards,” explained Arthur Bourgeois, professor of art at Governors State University and curator of the gallery.
Bourgeois noted that Zagorski was the first professional photographer to travel through the interior of Congo.
“His pictures create a unique historic and ethnographic survey of life in remote villages. His photographs documented ceremonies, masked dances, body ornamentation, clothing, and utilitarian objects; all functioning in their appropriate cultural context.”
In addition to the Zagorski works, the show also includes works by lesser know photographers who were adept at revealing art objects and apparel within their traditional setting.
“The exhibit includes over 125 images from the David Gelbard Collection,” said Bourgeois. “Mr. Gelbard has been an active and generous patron. In May, we will present another exhibit of art from his vast collection, “Ancient Art of Southeast Asia.”
The opening reception of “Images of Central Africa,” is from 6 to 9 p.m., on February 22, and includes African heritage music and dance performed by Mosaic, an international music group associated with Governors State University.The exhibit continues through March 8.
For more information, call (708) 534-4012 or visit www.govst.edu.
