Earth Matters: Land as Material and Metaphor in the Arts of Africa

Static Drift by Ingrid Mwangi

 

Batoul S'himi

Last weekend Abdoulaye and I made our way to the National Museum of African Art on the National Mall here in DC.  I heard about an exhibit there, Earth Matters: Land as Material and Metaphor in the Arts of Africa, on NPR and wanted to learn more.  Like I said before, after spending seven months (maybe a little more?) planning and waiting for our 'real' wedding, it was the first weekend in awhile where I felt like I could truly kick back and relax.

When we got to the museum, we caught the tail end of a dance performance by the Howard University Dancers and Theatre Ensemble.  I was sad to miss it but at least we got a little (see below for a taste of their talent - they presented African dances at the museum - so so talented!). 

The exhibit did not disappoint.  I am now hooked on Ingrid Mwangi.  Isn't the first piece above incredible?  Mwangi used stencils to create the shapes of her two home countries on her stomach (Kenya and Germany).  Abdoulaye made a good point though - Africa is not a country and while Mwangi insists on her two origins, it seems that's what her art is mainly about, she perpetuates the oneness (sameness?) of Africa by emblazoning the continent on her stomach instead of just Kenya.  Of course, I wouldn't know the shape of Kenya but I didn't know the outline of Germany, either. 

Ever since Abdoulaye arrived in the US, I've been (hyper?) aware of what it's like to be a couple from two different countries.  People say the darndest things when they learn he is African!  Thankfully for us, our encounters (to be documented another time here on the blog) have all been innocuous but have given us some food for thought.  Mwangi's piece reminds me of this awareness I carry with me now and, like a hangnail that you can't leave alone or perhaps more like a piece of hair you keep on twirling, her work will keep me thinking about what a dual existence is like (and will be like for our children).

Batoul S'himi's piece was similarly captivating.  His piece, like Mwangi's, transformed me from the National Museum of African Art to a thought bubble somewhere between Africa, women and perceptions of both. 

Owanto, Où Allons Nous?

Finally, Owanto's piece 'Où Allons Nous?' made me stop for a minute (and now many minutes afterwards), to think about where I am going.  The description of the piece stated that it was in a non-descript desert - it could be in the West of the US or a desert in Africa.  Made me think of the Hand of Fatima in Hombori and a desert I've never been to in Arizona that looks quite similar (less the troop of African children).  Universal questions, universal problems, universal joys, universal sorrows.  Universal!

Hombori, Mali

Arizona, USA

Do More 24 and For Love of Children: 5 reasons to donate your money or time today!

This morning I received an email from Tim Payne, the Executive Director of For Love of Children (FLOC), which I wrote about last September (OK, it was a mass email but I still received it in my inbox).  FLOC "provides educational services beyond the classroom to help students succeed from first grade through college and career. FLOC brings together students, volunteers, families, and community partners in proven programs that teach, empower, and transform." (check out their site for more!)

Since September, I've volunteered with FLOC Tuesday nights from 6-8 tutoring a middle school student in reading and writing.  While the journey has not always been a smooth one as my student and I learned one another's boundaries and I remembered what it was like to be in middle school again, overall, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience and, like most volunteering, I feel like I've come away learning more than I've given.  I would recommend this organization to anyone in DC who is passionate about education and giving back to the DC community.

Following Tim's encouragement to share FLOC's story with 5 people, and in honor of Do More 24, I'd like to share 5 reasons you should donate your time or money to FLOC.

1. You've got the time.  This past year was a little crazy for me as I welcomed my husband to the US from Guinea, worked on my Master of Arts in International Education and worked full-time. All that to say that even if you're busy - you've surely got a couple hours to hang with a cute kid who wants to do better in school (or a few minutes to donate some money!).  Volunteering with FLOC takes just a couple hours a week and it's flexible!  While I sometimes wanted to be doing something else before going to tutoring on Tuesdays, I always felt better afterwards and glad that I had come.  Do you work crazy long hours but are here on the weekends?  FLOC has programs on Saturday.  Are you away most weekends (like me) but have a weeknight free?  FLOC has after school and evening tutoring sessions.  Maybe you can just commit every now and again - FLOC has you covered there, too, with substitute tutoring.
2. You've got the means.  Today, FLOC is asking for a minimum donation of $10 (read: one lunch out or a couple of fancy coffees).  See below for what your money can do!
3. You've got the heart.  It's hard to argue with helping children get back to their grade level in reading, writing and math.  Check out FLOC's website to learn more about what they do!
4. You've got the desire.  In casually talking with friends and co-workers, so many have expressed an interest in joining a volunteer organization in the area but they haven't found one that works for them.  Maybe FLOC is for you!
5. You've got what it takes.  I know you and I know you're great!  If you're reading this we probably went to school, worked or served in the Peace Corps together, which means I think you're wonderful and you have a great heart!  I know you've got what it takes (mentally, physically, maybe financially?) to give back to an organization that is doing so much for the DC community.

Please don't hesitate to be in touch if you have questions (or leave your comments below!).  I'd love to share more about my experience with FLOC with you and hope you'll think today about contributing to their organization.

From Tim Payne's email: 

Follow FLOC on Facebook, Twitter, and read their  blog to help spread FLOC's key message:

In DC, poverty persists - over 75% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.  The opportunity gap widens, barely 40% of secondary students are proficient in reading or math and average SAT scores put DC seniors in the lowest 20th percentile of their college-bound peers. For Love of Children (FLOC) is focused on closing this gap, 1 student at a time, and since 2006, 100% of FLOC's high school seniors have graduated on time and all been accepted into a postsecondary institution. FLOC's unique range of programming and curricula adapts to each student, providing consistent individualized support to over 600 students from the day they come through our doors to the day they earn their postsecondary degree.

Donate!

Minimum donation is $10

$12: Fees for processing one volunteer at FLOC

$24: SAT prep study book for a FLOC Scholar

$48: Reading materials for one year for a student in FLOC's Neighborhood Tutoring Program

write my ticket

Wowsas what a couple of months!  While I'm disappointed I've let blogging slip, I'm thankful for everything else that's been taking up my time :)

In the past couple of months, I finished another term of school, we've been busy planning our wedding, which took place last weekend (see video at bottom of post and pictures to come!) and looking for, finding, making an offer, and closing, on a home in Maryland.  Whew.  Now the real fun begins as we move in and make this house a home!

Bachelorette shenanigans at the beginning of May

I loved visiting the Lavender Fields Farm with my girlfriends where there were lots of cute old ladies purchasing herbs and my beautiful friends seen above willing to take timed jumping photos.

Taken this past Friday, May 31, 2013

In April we embarked on the adventure of finding a more permanent place to live and found a treasure (we think!) of a home in Maryland.  We're looking forward to putting down some roots and being a part of a neat community.  Please get your bag packed and come to visit, we can't wait to host you (at least for dinner!!).

At the Art Museum of the Americas

This past weekend felt like the first relaxing one I've had in awhile (even with closing on the house and moving a load of things to our new place!).  On Saturday Abdoulaye and I made our way to the National Mall via Georgetown (we saw our first shoplifter in the US together at Zara) and stopped in at the Art Museum of the Americas.  I pass this building every day on my way to work but had never stopped in before.

While we only got a glimpse of the exhibits most recently up (since they were on their way out), it was enough of a teaser to make me want to come back for more.  The two exhibits were "On Common Ground"  and "A Place With No Rest" (where Abdoulaye is posed above).  The photographs in the latter exhibit were hauntingly beautiful.  I love thinking about how the ways we communicate with our bodies are so much more powerful than words.

hats

Here we are on our way to the National Museum of African Art where we took in the latest exhibition, Earth Matters: Land as Material and Metaphor in the Arts of Africa.    I'd like to do a post about my favorites so I'll just hold onto them for now :)

My weekend ended with brunch at home and a BBQ chez Joe & Ashley.  Let summertime festivities commence!

Jennifer & Abdoulaye | Wedding Film | Music Video | Norfolk, Virginia | Virginia Zoological Park from The Girl Tyler on Vimeo.

what a weekend!

Getting ready for Cassie's prom

After spending much of the end of winter and early Spring away from DC, I've loved the past two weekends when we've been home.  The weather has been fantastic and it's fun to feel like you're still exploring where you live, which I don't think will change anytime soon.

Friday kicked off with a lovely dinner with our friend Alys - I love Eastern Market!  On Saturday I nested around the apartment while Abdoulaye met with friends to prepare for an upcoming conference.  Cassie got ready for a school function (isn't she a stunner??) and Abdoulaye and I headed to Georgetown to see The Big Wedding with BOGO tickets I found online (woot!).  It was cute though I'm glad we got BOGO tickets since it wasn't fabulous :)

Georgetown by night.  

I'm so excited about May finally being here!  Can't believe Abdoulaye's and my wedding is right around the corner (well, our official wedding :)  Lots of exciting things just around the river bend - so thankful for the groove I'm finding myself in these days.

The canal.

a new york state of mind

 As our bus was pulling into the city I tugged on Abdoulaye's arm and squealed 'Look!!!' as I pointed to the skyline of lights.  Our bus continued on and Abdoulaye looked as we passed the same lights.  "It looks like a factory," he said.  Turns out he was right and my New York excitement was a little premature.

However, our excitement was not premature to see Kira and Sidi, a Peace Corps friend from Mali and her husband, who were waiting for us at the Bolt bus stop on 33rd and 7th.  Sidi took our suitcase and Kira led the way home where saga saga, a traditional Malian dish, waited for us on the stove.  Such a treat!

On Friday, I presented at the NYU International Education Conference on the single-teacher school in Mali while the rest of the gang hung out and visited the city a bit.  It was a thrill to be surrounded by folks passionate about international education and to learn more about other graduate students doing research on such a wide range of topics.  

Saturday, Kira walked Abdoulaye and me to the Circle Line pier and shopped while waiting for our tour to end (she hasn't gotten her sea legs yet).  The tour was incredible and I was surprised that even sitting outside we weren't freezing or accosted by the wind.  The New York city skyline was beautiful and it was neat to see the Statue of Liberty up close.  

 Kira was a fantastic guide and once we got off the boat took us to Times Square and Grand Central Station before we met Sidi at home and had dinner at The Merchant.  The restaurant is a former bank and they use the old safe as a deep freezer.

Sunday, we went to the Bronx to see friends of Abdoulaye's from Guinea - one of whom he hasn't seen in 10 years!  Delicious foods, sweet friends, a baby that warmed up to us: a success!

It was hard to say goodbye to Sidi and Kira after such a long weekend but we're looking forward to our next trip back to the Big Apple to see them and visit more of what New York has to offer!

Where's Waldo?  We made it on the big screen!  But can you find us? (hint: left third, on the bottom)

cherry blossoms ripe in washington, dc

 

This is my first time witnessing a cherry blossom season!  The city is a sea of soft petals and biking to work this past week I stopped by the Washington monument to snap a few shots.  It felt a little bit like a scene out of a movie.  Quiet groves of cherry trees and only one or two folks around.  Another cyclist stopped to admire the trees during my photo session but other than that, it was just me and the blooms.  I'm so thankful Spring has finally sprung! 

world of wizards

Some Spring!  Taken on Monday, March 25, 2013 on my walk to the Metro in the morning

After seeing a fireball, Abdoulaye and I thought it was time to check out the Washington Wizards, too!  With Alys' birthday around the corner, we decided to celebrate at the Verizon center with some seats high enough up so we could see the entire stadium :)  It made my eyes hurt to be so high but it was still a fun Monday night and birthday celebration adventure!  The Wizards won (107-94) and we made it home by 10:00pm after a full night of tasty Chinese food, cupcake eating, basketball watching and catching up while trying to avoid the feeling of vertigo.

OK, so those aren't basketball players on the floor but the Wizards did win!

The snow weighed pretty heavily on the daffodils on Monday but now it's all melted away and Spring-like temperatures are back.  I love these pictures of us in Washington DC's Chinatown - I won't forget your birthday Alys!  Loading these pictures and writing these blog posts is such a special way for me to hold on to my (our) memories; I'm so thankful to blogspot for the platform to do so!