Sokari Douglas Camp, born 1958, Nigeria Search this
Medium:
Steel, wood, paint, motor
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 140 x 41.9 x 40.6 cm (55 1/8 x 16 1/2 x 16 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Nigeria
Date:
1987
Label Text:
Douglas Camp creates large, semi-abstract, often kinetic, figurative works that are inspired by the sounds, movements and colors of Kalabari masquerades, funerals, plays, initiation ceremonies, regattas and festivals. As a product of Nigeria and England, her sculptures are expressions of a unique creative vision, not mere translations of events. Kalabari women traditionally do not carve wood or sculpt in steel and their roles in masquerades are limited. Douglas Camp thus crosses the boundaries of male and female domains, just as she transcends geographic boundaries.
This clapping figure recalls the coming-of-age ceremony for girls as they are initiated into womanhood. When initiates are presented to the community, they are dressed in valuable cloth wrappers and adorned with coral beads and necklaces.
Description:
Part of the Alali series, this sculpture depicts a young girl celebrating her female identity.
Exhibition History:
Heroes: Principles of African Greatness, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 16, 2019–October 3, 2021
Encounters with the Contemporary, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., January 7, 2001-January 6, 2002
Sokari Douglas Camp, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., March 24, 1997-October 25, 1999
Echoes of the Kalabari: Sculpture by Sokari Douglas Camp, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 11, 1988-January 29, 1989
Published References:
Douglas Camp, Sokari. 1988. Echoes of the Kalabari: Sculpture by Sokari Douglas Camp. Exhibition booklet. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, pp. 14-15.
Freyer, Bryna M. and Christine Mullen Kreamer. 2010. "The Collection of the National Museum of African Art Smithsonian Institution." Sculpture Review LIX (1), p. 27.
National Museum of African Art, 1987-1997: Celebrating 10 Years on the Mall. 1997. Museum brochure. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution.
National Museum of African Art. 1999. Sokari Douglas Camp: Church Ede, A Tribute to Her Father. Exhibition booklet. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution.
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