Şangoyemi Ogunsanya: Mythical Forests and Ritual Objects / Funky Spirits

Şangoyemi Ogunsanya: Mythical Forests and Ritual Objects

January 24 – May 9, 2004

Perkins Gallery

Funky Spirits

December 23, 2003 – May 2, 2004

Murray Gallery

Tampa artist Şangoyemi Ogunsanya works in a variety of media to explore her personal blending of African mythology, nature, and contemporary African-American culture. Included in this exhibition are collages, sculptures, and mixed media constructions. The exhibition consists of two parts. The first is a sculpture and video installation in the Murray Gallery on the second floor. The installation, entitled Funky Spirits, explores the relationship between funk music and African-American folk art and seeks to discover the hidden retention of African spirituality and wisdom therein. Funky Spirits will open December 23, 2003 and run through May 2, 2004.

The second part in the Perkins Gallery consists of Ms. Ogunsanya’s blending of African mythology, nature, and contemporary African-American culture. She has said that “cultures around the world have legends that describe magical forests where supernatural beings exist and magical happenings are commonplace. Gods and Goddesses shape shift from human form to forces of nature. Bush and water spirits, fairies, and leprechauns live, thinly veiled from the eyes of human beings among the trees and sacred plants in that Great Mystery which is nature. Although I was raised in the city, since childhood I have loved the forest and have spent many hours walking and camping in forests around the world. The forest is my sacred place.” This portion of the exhibition is open January 24 through May 2, 2004.