Eminent Nigerian Carver To Be Feted At UB For 30th Anniversary Of African American Studies

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Department of African American Studies will continue its 30th anniversary celebration this month with a campus visit by the eminent Yoruban artist Lamidi O. Fakeye (Fah-kee-AY), widely acknowledged as the finest traditional woodcarver in Nigeria.

Fakeye comes from five generations of Nigerian Yoruban woodcarvers. While his complex, highly detailed work is rooted in the traditional Yoruban system of apprenticeship, it also is informed by his studies in the conventional European canon.

His work is on display in the University Gallery through Nov. 18.

Speakers of Yoruba are called Yorubans and constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, living in Nigeria and several other countries. While there are local differences in dialect and custom, Yorubans share a common language and culture, and traditionally have been among the most skilled and productive craftsmen in Africa.

Akinwumi Isola, a professor at Nigeria's Ibadan University says: "Because he has weathered the most turbulent storms of two worlds of education...Fakeye has elevated Yoruban traditional sculpture to a level of excellence appreciated and sought after all over the world."

In a 1996 article in The Detroit News, Fakeye reported that early in life, he had tried his hand at many jobs -- repairing bicycles, cutting hair, boxing -- then he became ill as a teenager and was told by a diviner that in order to get well, he must fulfill his destiny and return to his family's traditional profession.

"God has planned my life," said Fakeye, now 71. "Carving is an inspiration for me. What has come from it are the blessings of God."

Fakeye has made many visits to the United States over the past 35 years, but this will be his first trip to Buffalo. While at UB, he will demonstrate wood carving, attend a reception for the exhibit of his work and deliver a lecture. All events will be free of charge and open to the public, unless otherwise indicated.

For more information, see http://wings.buffalo.edu/cas/students/aa.html.

A fellow at Nigeria's Obafemi Awolowo University, Fakeye has taught and exhibited extensively both in Nigeria and abroad. His work appears in the private collections of such American institutions as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Northwestern University, the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh, and Western Michigan University.

The Smithsonian Institution will present an exhibition of his work in December.

The Fakeye visit and program was developed and coordinated by Department of Media Study graduate student Christine Black. It is sponsored by numerous departments in the UB College of Arts and Sciences: African American Studies, Anthropology, Art, Art History, Comparative Literatures, Media Study, Modern Languages and Literatures, Psychology and History, and the University Gallery.

It also is supported by the UB Graduate Student Association, Anthropology Student Association, the Anthropology Graduate Student Association, the Black Student Union, the Comparative Literatures Department Graduate Student Association, the Media Study Graduate Association, Lockwood Library, UB's Sub Board I and the Langston Hughes Institute.

The project received funding from Professors Gerard Bucher, Jack Meacham, Philips Stevens and Henry Sussman, and the following endowed chairs: Robert Creeley (Capen Chair, Poetry and the Humanities), Leslie Fiedler (Clemens Chair, English), Dennis Tedlock (McNulty Chair, English), Bruce Jackson (Capen Chair, Humanities).

Schedule of events in conjunction with Lamidi O. Fakeye exhibit

"Fakeye," an exhibition of work by Nigerian carver Lamidi O. Fakeye, Second Floor, University Gallery, Center for the Arts, North Campus, through Nov. 18

Nov. 6

• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Academic Conference, "African Art, Religion and Rituals," 120 Clemens Hall, North Campus

Nov. 16

• 9-10 a.m. Gallery reception for the artist, featuring community leaders and UB administrators and faculty.

• 3-5 p.m. Public demonstration and workshop by Fakeye Department of Art, Sculpture area, basement, Center for the Arts.

Nov. 17

• 10 a.m. to Noon Informal carving demonstration by Fakeye University Gallery, North Campus

• 2-4 p.m. Informal carving demonstration by Fakeye University Gallery

• 7-9 p.m. Talk by Fakeye on his retrospective autobiography, followed by a reception and book signing, Poetry/Rare Books Room, 420 Capen Hall, North Campus

Nov. 18

• 1-4 p.m. Seminar for students visiting from other area colleges and community members, University Gallery and Screening Room (Room 112), Center for the Arts. Pre-registration required. For information, contact Michael Hill, Langston Hughes Institute, 881-3266.

• 5-7 p.m. Public reception for the artist, University Gallery

Nov. 19

• Morning Demonstration for high school students, Langston Hughes Institute, 25 High St., Buffalo For additional information, call Michael Hill, 881-3266.

• 7-9 p.m. Slide lecture and demonstration: "The Changing Role of the Artist in Nigeria Today," followed by a reception featuring African dance and drumming,Langston Hughes Institute. For information, call Michael Hill, 881-3266.