The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Art Museum will unveil collected artworks in its summer exhibition, "Selections from the NCCU Permanent Collection," to the public beginning on Friday, May 31, 2024, through Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.
To prepare for the exhibit, the museum will be closed to visitors until Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Among the pieces to be displayed is John Biggers’ “Jubilee,” which captures the vibrancy of Ghana's annual durbar festival, a celebration of seasonal changes and the harvest. The rhythmic movements of singing and dancing women in the artwork reflect the cyclical nature of the seasons. Biggers drew inspiration for this piece during his visit to Ghana in 1957, where he immersed himself in the region's culture and art.
Biggers, a prominent figure in the art world of the 1940s, developed a unique painting style influenced by the Mexican mural movement and the Federal Arts Project's murals in the U.S. In 1949, he joined Texas Southern University as the head of the art department, utilizing mural painting to express African American heritage and identity. His journey to Africa in 1957 profoundly impacted his artistic expression, leading to a fusion of African, European and American art styles that inspired many artists of subsequent generations.
The NCCU Art Museum, located at 580 East Lawson St., offers accessibility for physically challenged visitors. Operating hours are Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For general information, please call (919) 530-7048. For group visits, please call in advance. Admission is free.
