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From Taboo to Icon: Africanist Turnabout,
Curated by Sophie Sanders and Shervone Neckles

January 9 - February 10, 2008
Location: The Ice Box
Hours: Wed-Sun 12-6 pm

FROM TABOO TO ICON: Africanist Turnabout

An Exhibition curated by: Sophie Sanders, PhD candidate, Art History Department, Tyler School of Art, Temple University; MA, Slade School of Art, University College London, and Shervone Neckles, MA Art Education, Columbia Teacher’s College, MFA Queens College.

January 10, 2008 – February 10, 2008, Wednesdays – Sundays 12 pm to 6 pm

Reception and Curator/Artist Talk: Friday, February 1, 2008

‘FROM TABOO TO ICON: Africanist Turnabout’ is a part of African Impressions/ Contemporary Art, a series of symposia and events that explore modern and contemporary art from the perspective of African influences and voices. This exhibition presents artwork in all media that explores the concept of Africanist aesthetics and the taboo or iconic aspect of these influences in contemporary western culture. Contemporary artists from diverse origins respond to the censoring, impact, and celebration of Black and African Diaspora cultural aesthetics, which have been considered taboo in some historical contexts and iconic in others. These artists also re-investigate the omissions in history and contemporary American culture by questioning appropriation and what is seen and unseen in popular culture and fine art.

‘FROM TABOO TO ICON: Africanist Turnabout’ will transform the Ice Box Project Space into what philosopher bell hooks terms as a ‘Learning Community’, which invites the public to become active participants in action and reflection. The exhibition will be engaged to think about how all forms of visual representation have the ability to become iconic when they achieve prominence and familiarity through frequent repetition. Some works deal with preserving relics, memories, history, and tradition which are often associated with the sacred and venerated, while others connect with ancestral heritage of the African Diaspora and honor the individuals who are often less visible in fine art contexts. A number of works in the show will also challenge or complicate the very notion of traditional African aesthetics in a changing global context.

Major funding for the symposium provided by the Provost’s Commission for the Arts / Office of the Provost. Other funding provided by the General Activity Fee and the Art History Department, Tyler School of Art. Additional support donated by Exhibitions and Public Programs of Tyler School of Art, the Graduate Art History Organization, and an anonymous donor. Special thanks to all individuals who made this possible.