Wole Soyinka: Antiquities Across Times and Place

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Comprising nearly 50 pieces, including antiquities made from wood, bronze, cloth, pigment and other materials, Wole Soyinka: Antiquities Across Times and Place prominently features pieces made and used by the Yoruba people.  Works from the Congo, bronzes from Benin, and some of Igbo origin also are included. Items in the exhibition range from religious iconography to ritual pieces, to ornamental artworks, weaponry, vessels and more.  The curated collection of antiquities are placed in conversation with works by five contemporary African artists themselves inspired by Soyinka’s plays and writings.

Contemporary artists featured in this exhibition are sculptors and painters Peju Alatise, Olu Amoda, Osaretin Ighile, Moyo Okediji, and Bruce Onobrakpeya. Choreographer Peter Badejo and filmmaker Tunde Kelani also feature in the exhibition – along with the poetry of Chris Abani. Their works are placed in conversation with the Soyinka Collection.

Wole Soyinka: Antiquities Across Times and Place is on exhibit at The Ethelbert Cooper Gallery of African & African American Art at the Hutchins Center through Dec. 21