|
Missionary imposition >> The Collins Collection shows pre-colonial Africa by KEITH MARCHAND
Life in Africa: The Collins Collection of Angolan Objects is an introduction to the arts and crafts of sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Angola. Presented in conjunction with the Vues d'Afrique series and organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the exhibition features over 50 pieces selected from the Collins Collection. This is a collection of roughly 300 artifacts that was donated to the MMFA in 1992. Reverend S. Ralph Collins and his wife Jean went to Angola from 1947 to 1958 to do missionary work (shudder). While they were performing the Lord's work of fracturing the delicate balance of African culture and society, they managed to gather a pretty impressive assortment of objects from Angola's two main peoples: the Ovimbundu and the Batshokwe. The show is divided into four sections: musical instruments; objects used in ritual; containers and receptacles; utilitarian and ornamental objects. Among the excellently preserved articles on display one can find a wealth of clues into the political, cultural and day-to-day life of a rapidly disappearing Africa. One such display features a series of beautifully detailed hair ornaments made from horn and wood. Interestingly, these carefully crafted combs were originally to be worn by men only, in elaborate hair-styles. However, with the increasing adoption of western dress, the traditional hairstyles are now seen mostly on women. Not terribly surprising, the show also features many examples of skilled woodworking, and the use of statuary in ritual is everywhere apparent. Spirit figures and fertility figures, ceremonial staffs and amulets all point to the rich animist cultures that saturated pre-colonial Africa. >>> One floor down is a photo exhibition by Moroccan-born artist Karim Rholem. Titled Si Loin...Si Proche: Memoires d'un Siècle, the show chronicles events of the 20th century as seen through the eyes of a diverse group of senior citizens. Featuring large (40" x 60") portraits of Quebec seniors, accompanied by smaller photos of them when they were young and text recounting their experiences, the exhibition is a fascinating way to survey the past hundred years. Featured are many interesting life stories: one Indian woman was photographed with Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi in 1943; one man recounts how he moved from Little Burgundy to become the first black U.S. college hockey player. He is shown as a young man on the ice in full hockey-card pose. Another man recounts the horrors of the First World War: of the thousand-plus soldiers who went to Europe with his battalion, 40 returned. And there's an aged Serbian Kossovar, who makes a plea for some sanity in his homeland. Rholem has more than just represented the aged through photography. He has allowed them to share their wisdom with us as we put a finish to this, the bloodiest century in recorded history. Both shows are on until May 2, 1999 at the Maison de la culture Côte-des-Neiges. More info: www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/maison or 872-6889
|
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Montreal's Maisons de la culture program remains a criminally untapped resource for gallery-goers. Tucked away in communities throughout the city, they offer a variety of well-organized cultural activities. These institutions are not to be mistaken with community centres: you will not find surly, pimply teens playing pool or counselors dispensing street-smart guidance and tough love. Instead, you will find a network of very busy-- art galleries and cultural centres. On now at the Maison de la culture Côte-des-Neiges are two exhibitions.