Call & Re-Call, An Exhibit of Artist Made Books

Yema Gallery is please to present our 2nd book arts exhibition entitled Call and Re-Call. This exhibition features the unique perspectives of visual artists that are enticed by the possibilities of creating within the framework of a book and working with the theme of call and response. Exhibiting artists include Shirley Parker Benjamin, Eleta Caldwell, Lebra Turman-Chase, Lauren Dubeau, Mansa Mussa, JC Lenochan, Ibou Ndoye, Shonda Nicholas, Nell Painter, Lynn Presley, Toni Thomas, Gwen Verner-Jarju and Sheltry Ward. The opening reception will be held Saturday, May 4 from 7– 10 PM and will include performances by poet Esther Morales and artist and poet Shonda Nicholas.

Curator’s Statement

This exhibition brings together the work of 14 artists who have responded to the challenge of making a book that individually expresses the theme of call and recall. A creative expression is sometimes not complete in its first attempt. There is a continual process of contemplation and action that guides the artist towards the point of completion. The process adds complexity and depth to the work and it is not unlike the process from which the show’s title was derived. The tradition of call and response is rooted in African cultural traditions, but can also be found in many cultures outside of the African continent. Often when something is stated there awaits a response that can add richness to what has been said. This is evident in musical forms such as jazz, gospel, blues, and hip-hop. It is a collaborative process. To some extent this show, which is made up of artists from different backgrounds demonstrates the universality of creative expression. Although the artists in this show work individually the exchange is in the collective display of their images within the context of the theme in a book form. Their individual cumulative creative actions and re-actions displayed will undoubtedly evoke an apposite action/re-action from the viewer.

Terry Boddie

Terry Boddie is a multi-media visual artist and photographer. His work is included in many public and private collections. He is the recipient of several awards and grants including a residency with the Center for Book Arts, NYC, and grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and The George and Helen Segal Foundation. Yema Gallery is located at 540B Freeman St., (between Scotland Rd and Jefferson St.) in Orange, NJ 07050. Gallery Hours are Thursday - Friday 4-6PM, Saturday from 1-5PM & by appt. For information call: 973-699-3269.

This exhibition is free and open to the public.