2011

The book "African Wisdom in Image and Proverb" highlights 125 black and white photographs of African daily life combined with related proverbs, which were used, and are still being used, to instruct members of the African society how to think, how to behave and how to have a better life. The title of the book comes from a well-known proverb I am because we are: we are because I am attributed to South Africa. It speaks to the interconnectedness and responsibility that we have for each other. It embodies the concept of Ubuntu, the African idea of living harmoniously in community. The black and white photographs of unique moments in African daily life taken by Betty Press, combined with related proverbs collected by Anneta Miller, illustrate traditional African wisdom. The exhibition at the museum will consisted of 30 black and white images selected from the above mentioned book.

Gris Gris Parlour presented “THE INVISIBLE MAN EXHIBIT” featuring works by local black male artists in New Orleans, including E. Paul Julien, Matthew Rosenbeck, Joe Parker, Manhk, L. Kasimu Harris, Paul DEO, Randi Obi Sylve, Glenn St. Patrick and Upendo Na Kushindana. Proprietor of Gris Gris Lab, a lifestyle design business, and curator, Gia M. Hamilton was inspired by the Ralph Ellison tale, The Invisible Man, which explores issues of race, class, sexuality, religion and gender through the lens of black maleness, and more specifically, of being in the south in New Orleans. 

The exhibition featured paintings that combined Scott's vibrant color palettes and his passion for his native city. Heavily influenced by his father, New Orleans artist, art professor and McArthur Genius Fellowship recipient the late John T. Scott, Ayo Y. Scott carries a respected artistic mantle that allows him to vividly capture life, imagination and the essence of New Orleans through mixed media. Essentially, Scott's unique artistry is a fusion of his artistic upbringing, legacy, natural talent and formal training in graphic design at Xavier University of Louisiana.