US envoy hosts black painting exhibition

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
ART is a simple part of life that holds a sense of quality and belonging that we should appreciate, United States of America Ambassador Teddy Taylor said.
Taylor hosted a Black History Month event last Tuesday by showcasing African-American murals or paintings at his home as part of efforts to educate different cultures about aspects of African-American culture.
The event is observed every February in all US embassies and is an initiative of the US Department of State’s office of Art in Embassies.
Taylor said: “Art brings to life things of the past which hold great learning and class and this exhibition is an integral part of our mission here in PNG.
“As perhaps one of the few exhibitions of the African-American art to come to PNG, this show will stimulate a great deal of interest in all segments of society, providing opportunities to engage the PNG art communities, and serving as a means to further connect our nations.”
The exhibition provides a peek into the African-American experience at various stages in US history, including the pivotal role of women in the African-American community.
Paintings exhibited were from African-American artists like Phoebe Beasley, Hubert Jackson, Gordon Parks and Jacob Lawrence.
Every year the exhibition carries different themes and this year Taylor chose “Women, families and African-American life and culture”.
“I believe that women, in their positive roles, are the key to having strong families and I think that this message has particular relevance for the Papua New Guinean society.”
Local artist and academic from Marianville Secondary school Antonia Hape said: “The exhibition was more related to PNG society where the murals depict openly the passionate roles of women in families”.  
Those who attended the exhibition included diplomats, international community, local musicians and painters, civil society organisations and academics.