Felaspora is an art exhibit dedicated to the musician, pioneer, and legend, Fela Kuti, the Nigerian king of Afrobeat music, his impact on the Diaspora and the commemoration of the 20th year anniversary of his death. The 2nd exhibition of its kind since his death, it will open on Saturday, September 2 and will be held at KROMA Art Space and Studios, 3670 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida, 33133. Doors open 6:30pm until 9:30pm. Online reservation is required.
This exhibition, curated by Michelle Mckoy, explores Fela’s life, music and diasporic relevance as presented by over 15 contemporary artists through sculptures, mixed media, and paintings. Fela recorded scores of albums before his death in 1997, and the political commentary in his songs often landed him in Nigerian prisons. His music has had a global impact, with influences in jazz, hip hop and more, earning himself comparisons to Bob Marley. Immortalized in his native Lagos, his ritualistic expressions and message are continued by his sons at a weekly event known as “The Shrine”. Continuing his legacy, the musical “Fela!” premiered in New York in 2008 with more than a million people have seen the production across the United States and England, and awarded three Tony Awards. Felaspora is the first in a series of dialogues and varied perspectives into how society interprets respond to and internalize external creative cultural expressions. The exhibit will run through October 31, 2017.
During its’ tenure, auxiliary programming will include gallery talks hosted by Babacar M’Bow, and educational workshops all embodying the essence of African culture and relevance to the diasporic experience. Ambassadors include Mr. Q. Ayo Salvador, Executive Director of the Association of Egbe Omo Oduduwa, Inc., Dr. Yinka Tella, President of the Nigerian American Foundation, Mr. Desmond Alufohai. “The preservation of and education around cultural influences is paramount to the revitalization and transformation of this historic enclave that was founded and developed by peoples of the African diaspora”, shared J.S. Rashid, CEO of KROMA Art Space and Studios in a recent interview, “It is the galleries objective to fill voids and service our loyal artist with resources, opportunities, promotion, and residence”.
About Kroma Art Space and Studio
KROMA is a collective art space located on Grand Avenue in the heart of Coconut Grove consisting of 18 artist studios and a communal gallery space. KROMA’s mission is to serve as an affordable, contemporary space for artists, whose creative output will contribute to connecting the spirits of Coconut Grove’s rich past, present, and future. They are open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM – Monday – Saturday Tel. 1-999-490-3530. www.KromaMiami.com
