African Art: A Journey Through History and Culture
The Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection
The Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection is a magnificent assemblage of 525 pieces that span five centuries and represent some 75 peoples and 20 countries. It is now housed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art (NMAfA), thanks to a generous gift from the Walt Disney Company.
The collection includes a wide range of African art forms, from traditional masks and sculptures to contemporary paintings and textiles. It is particularly strong in works from the Benin Kingdom of Nigeria, the Edo peoples of Nigeria, and the Kota peoples of Gabon.
The Tishmans: A Passion for African Art
The collection was assembled over a period of 25 years by real estate developer Paul Tishman and his wife, Ruth. The Tishmans were passionate about African art and believed that it should be accessible to the public. They sold their collection to the Walt Disney Company in 1984 with the hope that it would be displayed in a permanent exhibition space at Walt Disney World.
While that dream never came to fruition, Disney continually lent pieces from the collection for exhibitions and publications. When the company decided to pass the collection on, it chose the Smithsonian Institution, which is committed to making African art available to visitors from all over the world.
African Art in the Smithsonian
The NMAfA is the only museum in America dedicated to the collecting, conservation, study, and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. The Disney-Tishman collection is a major addition to the museum’s holdings and will be used to enhance exhibitions, educational programs, and research.
The museum is particularly interested in the collection’s potential to inspire new generations of artists and scholars. As NMAfA director Sharon Patton has said, the collection’s “coming out party” is an opportunity to celebrate the rich legacy of African art and its continued relevance in the 21st century.
The Importance of African Art
African art has played a significant role in the development of modern art. Artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse were inspired by African masks and sculptures. The Disney-Tishman collection includes several works that were exhibited at the Louvre in the early 20th century, helping to introduce African art to a wider audience.
African art is also important for its historical and cultural significance. The collection includes objects that were used in religious ceremonies, political rituals, and everyday life. These objects provide valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of African peoples.
Conclusion
The Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection is a priceless treasure that belongs to all Americans. It is a testament to the beauty and diversity of African art and its enduring importance in the world today.
