Show's Impressions

The
Exhibition that I attended is “Nkame: A Retrospective of Cuban Printmaker Belkis Ayon” that is curated by Cristina Vives. Belkis Ayon was Cuban visual artist whose artworks targeted on the Afro-Cuban society. Indeed, she was recognized round Cuba for her technique of calligraphy. She often produced massive artworks that in black white as well as grey. One of the aspects that did no longer work for Ayon was that she was black in an enterprise that was dominated by male artists’. The modern-day exhibition focused on the Nkame period which is viewed to be her most successful artistic period. Moreover, it covers artworks from 1986 to 1999 which is the time she handed on.
During the exhibition, I started by reading the curator’s statement about Belkis Ayon which I find to be interesting. In the statement, the curator recognizes the importance of Ayon’s works contemporary printmaking. One of the artworks that I really liked during the exhibition was Detail of La cena (The Supper), 1991. From the artwork, a viewer can see representations of eight people and there are also plates with food on the table. What I loved about this artwork is that it brings out Belkis distinctive process in creating her artworks. She sticks to her use of the colours grey, white and black to give each element of her artwork a notable distinction. While the components of the artworks were assembled from six different matrixes, a viewer cannot easily notice this until they move closer. In general, I find this artwork to be one of the best during the exhibition. Additionally, during the exhibition, I also viewed the artwork La consagracion I (The Consecration I), 1991, and I also loved it. One of the aspects that make me like this artwork is the fact that Ayon assembles different pieces of matrixes to give it a distinctive shape. Moreover, I tend to love this artwork as it looks to demonstrate a specific ritual in Abakua. Additionally, each of the men in the artwork is dressed differently, and this gives the viewer an idea of what the piece is all about. Indeed, the title of the artwork gives away the ritual that was taking place which is consecration.Furthermore, the other artwork that I liked during the exhibition is Perfidia (Perfidy, 1998. I liked this artwork as Ayon sought to represent the theme of deceitfulness by using the characters. Some of people in the artwork are printed in white while the others in black. Moreover, some of them are stretching one hand out while the other is on their back, and this gives an idea of perfidy. While it is clear that they are exchanging goods, Ayon ensures that the viewer has the idea that the people in the artwork do not trust each other. Conclusively, I enjoyed the exhibition due to the fact that the curators looked for enough space to accommodate some of Ayon’s artwork. Moreover, the lighting of the in the room was also excellent and this gave the attendants a clear view of the exhibition. In general, I found the exhibition not only interesting but also insightful into the work of Belkis Ayon. I would encourage more people to attend the exhibition so that they can comprehend the contributions of Ayon in the technique of printmaking.