PERU – The Natalie Hahn African Art Collection issues a cultural invitation at buildings throughout the year at the Peru State College campus, where Black History Month is highlighted with an exhibit rich with fibrous art.

Susan Moore, associate professor and gallery director, chose works on linen, weaving and baskets to highlight from the 200-pieces Natalie Hahn collected from makers and creators in 28 African nations during her career with the United Nations.

Moore: “These pieces are ceremonial pieces, pieces off of headdresses, wearable objects of the culture. I was excited to bring out and showcase for this.”

 

 

Moore: “I think it’s beautiful being able to have this inside-take at their lifestyle, pieces that they would wear and engage with, also the craftsmanship and the dedication to the work is absolutely phenomenal being able to see more richly into their culture.”

Fibrous arts, which include macrame, crochet and weaving are practiced across the globe. Closer to home, there are 54 quilt guilds active in Nebraska and a movement is underway at Peru’s neighboring Brownville to include more fiber art in its popular quilt shows.

Moore said the fibrous pieces in the Natalie Hahn collection cast a unique perspective on African art that can inspire today’s students with wearable art and objects they interact with everyday.

 

Moore: “I hope that this inspires students to think about art more openly and creatively verses the sculpture on a podium or the painting hung on the wall,  being able to think about it in multiple medium facets.”

The art will be featured at the AV Larson Gallery through Feb. 29.

https://rivercountry.newschannelnebraska.com/story/49734151/peru-state-welcomes-african-art-collection