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PlatteForum’s
Creative Residencies!
TOLA WEWE
Tola Wewe will be our Creative Resident
at PlatteForum July 5-23, 2004. A Nigerian painter,
Tola obtained his B.A. in Fine Arts from the University
of Ife in Nigeria in 1983 and M.A. in African Visual
Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1986. He has
taught Painting and Drawing in Nigeria and has had
several solo exhibitions in Africa and Europe. Tola’s
work has traces of cubist inspiration and explores
the beauty of simple child-like forms. He often works
with a mixture of sawdust and glue, then painting
over the textured surface. Moyo Okediji, Curator for
African and Oceanic Arts at the Denver Art Museum
states that Tola Wewe is one of the major artists
upon whom they are focusing as they move their curatorial
efforts toward contemporary African Art, stating,
“I consider him one of the most talented minds
from the African continent. His work is a hybrid of
African and western sensibilities and images, reflecting
his won training and experience as an international
artist.”
Residency Description
During his residency, Mr. Wewe will
transform PlatteForum into a painting studio. He describes
his work as such, “My early paintings have traces
of cubist inspiration. Later works are simpler in
forms. In fact, they remind me of how I drew when
I was a kid. I entertained my siblings and friends
with my drawings, mostly executed with a piece of
stick on a wet ground. I now create a similar type
of expression with the use of sawdust on canvas. It
is my intention to share this experience with audiences
and enthusiasts of all ages and callings.”
Tola will also be working with
youth from Joan Farley Academy. This alternative school
works with homeless, high-risk, disadvantaged youth
who have traditionally met with school failure. Joan
Farley Academy has created a new and unique school
culture that addresses the special educational needs
of these youth – especially in terms of vocational
education. Youth learn to work through their problems,
take responsibility for their actions and become productive
members of society. For this residency, each child
will create a series of paintings using Mr. Wewe’s
techniques and guidance. An exhibition of the work
the youth create will open with new works by Tola
Wewe on July 23, 2004.
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Youth workshop: |
Ages 11-18 with the Joan Farley Academy |
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Schedule a free artists’ talk or visit
with the artist: call 303.893.0791 |
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Exhibition opening and
reception: |
Friday, July 23, 2004, 5:30–7:30pm; exhibition
continues through July August 6 |
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Curricular
tie-ins: |
Social Studies, Mathematics, Art |
Portfolio
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