Monday, April 10, 2006

Art in the African Diaspora

I absolutely love African/African American/Caribbean art and ethnic art! I have accumulated quite a collection over the years. I owe it all to my father that introduced me to art as a child. It's not often that I purchase because that can be quite expensive. I wanted to show off the latest piece from my collection. This is a recent work that I purchased from the Bougie Black Boy out of NYC. He is a blog friend and a very talented painter and writer. this piece is currently nestled beside my bed until I get if framed and hung on the wall. I call this piece "Mosadi" which is Sesotho for woman. I absolutely love this piece! Thanks again Bougie! :)
This is one of my favorite wood carvings that I bought in the Caribbean while on vacation in the Bahamas in 2000. I had to have this piece! I was only able to purchase it after winning some money on the dollar slots at the Atlantis resort. I hit it big for $300.00 and went straight back to purchase this (I'm not a gambler so winning $300 after only spending less than $20 was big for me). I call this carving, "Moses."

20 comments:

Bougie Black Boy said...

Thanks for the promotion. Glad you liked the artwork. I think I need to play the slots like you--maybe I'll have good luck as well!

Stephen A. Bess said...

You're welcome. I've been contemplating posting this since I received it. Yes, I can only play the slots when I go to a casino. I play with a budget and hope to make more than I spent. Afterwards, I just walk away. :)

Waddie G. said...

very nice pieces of art, especially the one you bought in the Bahamas

the prisoner's wife said...

lovely art.

when my beloved and i move to Bermuda, i want to fill our place w/ interesting pieces. any recs?

Stephen A. Bess said...

Thanks Prof! I do love Moses.

Prisoner's Wife-
I like just about anything that catches my eye, but one of the first pieces that I bought was "The Poet" by John Holyfield. I really love his stuff. He is a cross between Norman Rockwell and Ernie Barnes.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Thanks Poi! Do the same. :)

Brea said...

Art is so much more powerful when you have met or know the artist. What a great piece to have!

Stephen A. Bess said...

Brea-
I agree. I've always enjoyed meeting the artist. I haven't met Bougie Black Boy personally, but I feel that I know him a little through our correspondence.

Sumeeta said...

I am thrilled to see one of BBB's fabulous art pieces on display. He really should have his own gallery!

Sorry, I haven't visited for a while, but school is killing me.

I love the pics and your responses to Professor GG's questions, especially the advice to Adam! That was a hoot!

Stephen A. Bess said...

Sumeeta-
Hello! Yes, it has been a while. I know that you are working hard. I check by your place now and then to see what's up. Yes, SEJ is talented. He's going places. I just want him to invite me to nice gallery events. :)
You like that thing with Adam, huh? The truth is out! :)

Anonymous said...

Nice art Stephen :)

Stephen A. Bess said...

Tryphina-
I like it too. :)

Rose DesRochers said...

Wonderful Art! Hey Steve. :)

Stephen A. Bess said...

Hey rose!

Michelle said...

Wonderful stuff. Love the carving. I have an Ashanti fertility carving that I treasure! Love African art -- with I had your extensive collection. I bet it's amazing.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Thx Michelle! I'm still building, but I love it.

NML/Natalie said...

I like your art. My parents have some great stuff from Africa and I particularly like your moses.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Thanks NML. I love that piece too! I'd freak if something happened to it.

African Painters said...

The work is very similar to an artist/sculptor from Uganda, Lilian Nabulime and also an Angolan artist Etona.

The issue of the art of Africa is something I have been thinking about for over a decade now. I have developed websites that you might be interested in for artists for Africa | www.africanpainters.com and for the writers www.outspoken.co.uk

Stephen A. Bess said...

Joe Pollitt-
Thanks for that information. I will visit the websites. Much thanks!

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