visual art review

Roots Of Africa

Rowan Africa

What do MP Lembit Opik, his Cheeky Girl lover and the 'Roots Of Africa' exhibit and its dated B&B setting have in common? Answer: the unexpectedness of both pairings is oddly fascinating. It is the breakfast room, duly set for morning, that houses the majority of works, meaning that African art must battle with an extensive range of cereals for attention. Basement lighting, and an attempt to cram in as much as possible fail to do the work justice, although Hanlie Kotze's more innovative pieces did still manage to shine. For cohesion's sake an edit is required, and for aesthetics' sake a less fussy space needed, but then this would sacrifice the whole odd fascination thing and frankly I'm not convinced that's a worthwhile surrender.

Ambassador Hotel, 3 – 26 May, 10:00am - 8:00pm, free, fpp 65

tw rating: 3/5

published: Aug-2008

Rating Key

1/5: Bad     2/5: Mediocre     3/5: Good     4/5: Very Good     5/5: Excellent

Pot-luck Google Topics