and My Cukudu Calabash

Talle, Bamazi

Oil on linen

I have tremendous pride and passion for the culture of my beloved Africa. All praises to God and my ancestors for my artistic ability. My belief is that my ancestors through God have chosen me to share this gift with the world. I accept and embrace this gift by honoring them with my work. Art and breathing share the same space and time for me and I welcome the challenge the trials and tribulations of the creative process.

Bamazi Talle currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Ghanaian Bride

Thomas, Maxine Fiber

Girl Group

Thomas, Maxine

This work is made of pieced cottons and satins reminiscent of kente cloth. It was made after attending the wedding of a friend and is full of love and hope.

Maxine Thomas currently lives in Jamestown, Ohio.

Fiber This work is made of silk and cotton fabrics. This reminds me of the many girl groups from the 1960s and 70s who sang about unrequited love.

Maxine Thomas currently lives in Jamestown, Ohio.

Fufu Wiley, Brent

Plaster, metal, polyester plastic

Kyekye Wiley, Brent

Plaster, metal, polyester plastic

Kyekye offers commentary on familial love. Specifically, it shows sacrificial love in the form of a relay. A parent dedicates their life to their children. Family elders hand off many gifts to the next generation. The red and black clothing are often worn in Akan funerals, which mourn and celebrate the passing of the deceased. The yellow adinkra, Fawodie, represents freedom from the plight of intolerance. The blue adinkra, Epa, represents the law and enslavement. Kyekye visually attempts to show how older generations seek to strengthen the youth in hopes of overcoming modern oppressive forces.

Brent Wiley currently lives in Peoria, Illinois.

Fufu envisions a future where the African diaspora works hand in hand with continental Africans. The two boys represent both groups. They are identical twins, with the exception of the shackle on the arm of the diasporan twin. The shackle without a linked chain indicates the previous enslavement of diasporan ancestors due to the TransAtlantic slave trade. Fufu demonstrates Black love through community coordination and finding common purpose (labor of love) across cultural differences. Fufu is a staple food that is common in Ghana and other West African countries. Similar in consistency to mashed potatoes, it is made from cassava and plantains or cocoyams. Though fufu’s production requires hard labor through pounding the ingredients into a paste, it yields a meal that is filling and nourishing. The fufu here is a place holder for the beneficial results of building communities through unity.

Brent Wiley Currently lives in Peoria, Illinois.

Mother Sister Daughter Love Williams, Georgia

Fiber The African American experience, as related to Black Love, can be summed up in a quote by Cathy Williams as told to her by her mother: “I am the daughter of the daughter of a Queen, and my mama never let me forget it!” No matter our station or location in life, we all originated in the womb of a loving mother and we were loved and nurtured by the women in our lives. This quilt pays homage to all the African American mothers, sisters, and daughters who remind us of our value and historical nobility and responsibility to lift up future generations.

Georgia Williams currently lives in Houston, Texas.