Magical Visions: Ten Contemporary African American Artists

Curated by Keith Morrison

Magical Visions: Ten Contemporary African American Artists brings together the work of artists who have pioneered significant changes in media including assemblage, fiber, painting, photography, printmaking, quilt making, and sculpture to video with performance. Through their own magical visions, these artists give birth to works that challenge traditions and open new vistas. Artists included in the exhibition are Terry Adkins, Sonya Clark, Melvin Edwards, Sam Gilliam, Barkley L. Hendricks, Kalup Linzy, Odili Donald Odita, Karyn Olivier, Faith Ringgold and William T. Williams.

Stone Carvings by Gerd Dreher from the Herb and Monika Obodda Collection

With his great attention to the detail of the natural object, Master Carver Gerd Dreher brings life and beauty to his hardstone creations. Born in 1943, in the famous gem cutting center of Idar-Oberstein, Germany, he continues the family tradition that began with his grandfather, who produced objects for Faberge. Iguana, pictured here, illustrates Dreher’s mastery as he uncovers and incorporates into the work the multi-colored banding of the Brazilian agate.

New Art at UD

Showcased in this exhibition are recent gifts that have significantly expanded the University’s holdings in contemporary art, including sculptures and works on paper by Frank Gerritz and Lisa Hoke, paintings by Floyd Coleman, Donald McLaughlin and Peter Williams; and drawings by Felrath Hines and Elmer Bischoff. The acquisitions by these and other artists on view reflect the generous gift from collector Donald Rothfeld of several works, as well as gifts from Dorothy Hines, Floyd Coleman and others. We are also indebted to friends and donors who made possible the acquisition of Peter Williams, Absolutely Hilarious.