This article was written by Jennifer Ciotta
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| The Studio Museum in Harlem |
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Days of the Harlem Renaissance still haunt West 125th Street with sites such as the Apollo Theater; however, another landmark goes virtually unknown amidst the pharmacies and discount shops of today. The Studio Museum in Harlem has spanned nearly four decades, featuring world famous artists from the American and international black/African-descent community. Exhibitions by these talents have been showcased over the years: Faith Ringgold and Chris Ofili as well as Harlem historian-photographer James VanDerZee.
Upon entering the Museum on West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and Lenox Avenue, the modern gray building is quietly tucked away in its commercial surroundings. I realized immediately that photographs are not permitted to be taken once inside, yet this proved to be a surmountable feat since the impressions I received from the artwork provided me with lasting impressions of which I am able to describe at this moment.
The present exhibition running until March 2007 is Africa Comics put on by the nonprofit Italian organization, Africa e Mediterraneo. As stated by the Museum, this exhibition is the first of its kind in the United States, dedicated only to comic art from another continent. Spanning the gallery walls are contemporary comics from the various countries of Africa, mostly in French, yet translation leaflets are provided for the guests' convenience. Political messages radiate from the pages, exploring the themes of racial divide, motherhood, tribal life and law. Even without glancing at the English translation, I could understand that the characters were immersed in struggles yet at the same time sustaining hope for the African future. Keeping to their true comic roots, the stories also depict sarcasm and humor toward internal corruption within the continent while illustrating the wrongdoings of the IMF, World Bank and George W. Bush.
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