Sharif Bey's 'Homecoming' at The Andy Warhol Museum Explores Identity and Objecthood
The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is currently hosting 'Sharif Bey: Homecoming,' which displays significant ceramic and mixed-media sculptures by Sharif Bey until October 12. This exhibition reflects on Bey's childhood in Pittsburgh and showcases his Guardian and Crown Series, drawing inspiration from African and Oceanic traditions. Notable works such as 'Crown Series: Iris' and 'Guardian Series: Blink' incorporate ceramic beads, rusty nails, and chains to highlight historical violence, particularly related to the transatlantic slave trade. The show also includes artworks by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Bey critiques the colonial plundering of cultural artifacts, specifically mentioning the Benin Bronzes, taken in 1897. Installation photography is by Bryan Conley, with contributions from Kohler Co. and Adam Reich.
Key facts
- 'Sharif Bey: Homecoming' is on view at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh through October 12.
- The exhibition features Bey's ceramic and mixed-media Guardian Series and Crown Series.
- Bey's works reference the Benin Bronzes, ceremonial masking traditions, and the Moai of Easter Island.
- The show includes works by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat from the museum's permanent collection.
- The Benin Bronzes were created in the 14th century in what is now Nigeria and looted by British troops in 1897.
- Institutions holding Benin Bronzes include The British Museum, The Met, the Smithsonian, and Chicago's Field Museum.
- Some Benin Bronzes have been repatriated, but most remain in Western institutional collections.
- The exhibition title nods to Bey's background growing up in Pittsburgh.
Entities
Artists
- Sharif Bey
- Andy Warhol
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
Institutions
- The Andy Warhol Museum
- The British Museum
- The Met
- Smithsonian
- Field Museum
- John Michael Kohler Arts Center
- albertz benda NY | LA
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- Colossal
Locations
- Pittsburgh
- United States
- Nigeria
- Easter Island
- New Orleans
- Chicago