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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Kuaba art gallery relocates

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Situated next to the heart of Indianapolis off Monument Circle is a gallery that transports visitors to the charm of New York City.

Kuaba, a contemporary African art gallery, has been described by some as having the atmosphere of a big city rather than Indianapolis. Fortunately for Indianapolis residents, this gem of a gallery is in the Circle City to enjoy.

“There are so many artists out there who are doing incredible pieces,” owner Jayne During said. “Some people cannot travel to New York to see artists, so I have the opportunity to showcase works here for people to enjoy.”

Kuaba currently exhibits the works of six different contemporary artists whose styles range from paintings to sculptures and even large art fixtures made from the pages of books or newspapers.

Immediately when you walk in the gallery, it’s hard not to be pulled into the bright colors of a Christine Drummond painting, or perhaps be captivated by the chaotic colors almost bursting from the canvas of an Abade Glover piece.

It’s also hard to ignore the size and style of El Anatsui’s pieces. The artist, who some may recognize from his piece at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, has one of his intricate metal “sewing” pieces that fills an entire wall of Kuaba, allowing patrons to take in every detail.

It was larger pieces like Anatsui’s that prompted During to find a larger gallery space.

Kuaba was opened by During 10 years ago on Massachusetts Avenue. The artsy district of Indianapolis was great for allowing the gallery to gain its footing, but eventually During decided it was time for a change.

“The biggest reason was the size of the space,” During said. “I wanted a fresh location. In the old gallery, individual installation pieces could take up the whole gallery.”

The new location at 1 Meridian Street, Suite 200 has gratuitous wall space, enabling rotation through artists’ collections and offering a great view of Monument Circle.

“It’s just a great location,” During said.

Nancy Presley, a friend of During and a patron of Kuaba, was at the gallery purchasing a Marianne Glick painting during my visit. The colors and musical instrument theme were some of the aspects that attracted Presley to the painting.

Presley and During have been friends for eight years.

“We met when she opened a gallery next to my son’s gallery,” Presley said. “I just enjoy the pieces. I am the type of person that if I see something I like, I have to have it. Some people shop and shop, but I don’t see most things – I’m attracted to the abstract.”

During said that when some people hear “African art,” the idea of carved masks comes to their minds. However, Presley said that people simply need to see the gallery in order to understand the color and energy of the pieces.

“There is something here for everybody,” Presley said.

During also said that some people may shy away from galleries because it’s not in their budget to collect art. Although she insists people just come to enjoy the art, During said that collecting art is a gradual process.

“Art has to speak to you individually, and you have to decide how much you want it,” During said. “After that, you need to work with the artist and buy it gradually.”

During said that people focus so much on buying the necessities in life, but that art is important too.

“As humans, we experience so many emotions,” During said. “There are certain things that bring us joy, like a piece of art. It’s an important part of our life.”

With the benefit of a new, open space, During hopes to host workshops and events at Kuaba and introduce more people to contemporary African art.

For more information, call (317) 955-8405 or visit kuaba.com.

Want more African art?

If the colors and details of Kuaba’s pieces capture your attention, visit the upcoming exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, “Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria,” which will open July 8 and continue through Jan. 16.

The artworks of the ancient Yoruba city-state are said to be among the most remarkable in the world. Pieces include near life-size heads and figures of humans in terra cotta and bronze, some cast of nearly pure copper.

“Dynasty and Divinity: Ife in Ancient Nigeria” features the artistic accomplishments of this unique 12th to 15th-century civilization, which existed in what is now southwestern Nigeria, and examines how factors of dynastic power and divine authority shaped the exceptional arts from Ife.

Best of all, while collecting art can be costly, enjoying it doesn’t have to be. A combo ticket for “Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria” and the IMA’s other feature exhibit, “Hard Truths: The Art of Thornton Dial,” can be purchased for $14 at the museum or over the phone by calling (317) 955-2339.

Kuaba gallery
Kuaba gallery

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