Kongo: Power and Majesty

Central Africa’s Kongo civilization is responsible for one of the world’s greatest artistic traditions. The earliest works preserved from this tradition were diplomatic missives sent by Kongo sovereigns to their European counterparts during the Age of Exploration; they took the form of delicately carved ivory and finely woven raffia cloths embellished with abstract geometric patterns. Admired as marvels of human ingenuity, such Kongo works entered princely European Kunstkammer, or cabinets of curiosities, alongside other precious and exotic creations from across the globe.

Join Alisa LaGamma, the Ceil and Michael E. Pulitzer Curator in Charge of the Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, for a talk on “Kongo: Power and Majesty,” her recent exhibition at the Met. That show and its accompanying publication explore the region’s history and culture through 146 of the most inspired creations of Kongo masters from the late 15th through the early 20th century.

With works drawn from 60 institutional and private lenders across Europe and the United States, “Kongo: Power and Majesty”relates Kongo artistic landmarks to major historical developments that unfolded in this region of central Africa over a 500-year period. This project challenges misconceptions of Africa’s relationship with the West and offers a radical, new understanding of Kongo art. LaGamma will discuss the organization of the exhibition, its new findings, and relate this content to works on view in Mia’s galleries.

To register, call (612) 870-6323 or reserve online.