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POWER OF ART
beingviewedasabalmfortroubledsouls. ByAtibaRogers
when practicing art therapy with her patients. It helps to trigger mirror- ing neurons within our brains since, she said, humans learn by watching, observing and participating in a task or activity. The art therapy teaches healthier ways to express themselves non-verbally.
The art world itself is recognizing that Africa seamlessly embraces art for its healing powers through paintings and sculptures as well as dance and song. The Nigerian herbalist’s staff on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, in a perma- nent installation devoted to the heal- ing power of art, is made of iron and stone and believed to contain spiritual power to heal.
For Tarajosu, it’s an ecstatic feel- ing that makes him think he can do anything.
“So that’s a lot of what’s behind
my art, full potential,” he said, and realizing that power within the self to create and form connections.
He didn’t always have an easy time getting his words out verbally, so he put them in his work, literally—he crafted murals and portraits with messages. The artistic device allowed him to engage with people in real life, when they’d ask about his paintings.
It “was very fulfilling, and that helped my self-esteem because I was able to talk to people through that,” he said.
1
WHISTLE (Naiba)
Late 19th
to early 20th century wood, duiker antelope horn
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1. A part of Healing Imagery Alexander “Skunder” Boghossian 1937–2003, Ethiopia Spring Scrolls 1983–84 Acrylic on canvas Kongo artists, Republic of the Congo
2. Wongo artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo Stopper (detail) Early to mid-20th century
3. Medicine Container. Kwere artist, Tanzania Medicinal container Mid- to late 20th century gourd, wood, copper alloy, plant fiber
4. Kagiso Pat Mautloa b. 1952, South Africa, Untitled 2000 Mixed media on wood
HARLEM FINE ARTS SHOW MAGAZINE
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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE SMITHSONIANS COLLECTION AND ARCHIVE