African Art from The Menil Collection [Hardcover]

Kristina Van Dyke (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 25, 2008 | Series: Menil Collection

Bamana masks and headdresses, Lega ivories, Dogon sculpture, and Benue bronzes are among the many exquisite African artifacts found in the renowned Menil Collection. This stunning book—the first comprehensive catalogue on the de Menils' collection of African art—features 115 of the museum’s finest pieces. Dating primarily from the 19th and 20th centuries, these works come from North Africa and the Sahel, Coastal West Africa, and Central and East Africa.

 

An essay by scholar Kristina Van Dyke discusses the formation of the collection, which was inspired in part by its relationship to modernist works and by the couple’s interest in human rights. This insightful text also explains how the de Menils' visionary spirit was influenced by African art and places those objects within the context of the whole of the de Menils’ collection, in which works from ancient, Byzantine, medieval, modern, Oceanic, and Native American cultures speak to the universal struggle for human understanding. Entries for the selected works were written by leading scholars in the field and are grouped into sections based on regions.

 

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

This amazing volume reproduces with mesmerizing vivacity striking works in stunning arrangements on quality paper. The painstaking attention to the artifacts is impressive: each is displayed in a pristine environment that showcases the artwork and eliminates any possible distraction. Renowned collectors John and Dominique de Menil have assembled a truly remarkable array of African sculptures and masks worthy of attention. Editor Van Dyke (associate curator, Menil Collection, Houston, TX) has added an elaborate introductory text that is at once an insightful tribute to the de Menils and a carefully researched and exciting account of the formation of the African art section of the Menil Collection, with its nearly 1000 objects. Other contributors have supplied helpful explanatory texts for many of the volume's featured 120 pieces. A powerful and captivating catalog, not to mention a worthy treat for art enthusiasts and students. Recommended for public and academic libraries, especially those with strong art collections.—Edward K. Owusu-Ansah, East Stroudsburg Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.
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About the Author

Kristina Van Dyke is associate curator for collections, The Menil Collection, Houston.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: The Menil Collection (November 25, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300123760
• ISBN-13: 978-0300123760
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,156,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Book, November 24, 2011

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RG - See all my reviews

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This review is from: African Art from The Menil Collection (Hardcover)

This is yet another good example of a well executed book highlighting a wonderful private collection. The images are as stunning as the collection. It is an impressive collection well captured in print.

5.0 out of 5 stars A motley expression, June 27, 2010

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Himri "Himri" (Tempe, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: African Art from The Menil Collection (Hardcover)

Ladislas Segy, an expert on modern and African art writes in his book African sculpture, that for a background of it, one needs to explore a dozen different branches of science - the history of African kingdoms, archeology, ethnology, anthropology, the study of mythology, folklore, linguistics, ethno- psychology, psychoanalysis.

The objects with their simplicity and unity are well described as for their source and purpose. The fact that contributions are not from a single author goes to show the wide range of expertise required to understand African art.

Kuba cups and Divination pestle from Luba with pictures of real people and their coiffures showing the inspiration point, show how the art derives from their way of life.

When objects serve as authority or status symbol, the rituals involved are explained.

Shoulder masks. Multi- Figure altar. Caryatid stool. Serpent sculpture. Aesthetically these were totally new to me.

Staff from Kongo is a story in wood.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, great collection, great museum, January 31, 2009

By 

J. B. Gwin "African art lover" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: African Art from The Menil Collection (Hardcover)

I'm fortunate to live in Houston and I'm able to visit the Menil regularly. This is a great collection and it is exquisitely captured in this book. I consider this one of my favorites. Beautiful in everyway, and very powerful pieces. The Chi Wara on the cover is a most unusual design and is an example of the high quality of art in the collection and shown in the book.