Surfaces Seen and Unseen: African Art at Princeton University

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS

Urhobo artist, Mask, 1800–10. Wood, pigment, metal, 69.2 × 26.7 × 15.2 cm. Promised Museum Acquisition from the Holly and David Ross Collection.

NEW JERSEY---How ritual additions to the surfaces of African sculptures alter an object’s appearance and power over time is the focus of a fascinating new exhibition at the Princeton University Art Museum. These surface accumulations—such as layers of organic materials that have cultural and spiritual value, or encrustations that reveal the additions made by multiple hands—offer insight into the history and life of the object. Surfaces Seen and Unseen: African Art at Princeton presents some 20 exceptional works of African art from the Princeton University Art Museum, including newly acquired works from the Holly and David Ross Collection as well as gifts and loans from important private collections.


Princeton University Art Museum: "Surfaces Seen and Unseen: African Art at Princeton" (Ends October 9, 2016); Elm Drive, Princeton, NJ; (609) 258-3788; artmuseum.princeton.edu