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Herman Bigham
and Associates
African Art
Preservers & Presenters
614 North 32nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-387-2742
hbjlj2@aol.com
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Dear Gallery
Director:
HERMAN BIGHAM AND ASSOCIATES is a collective of primarily African
Art presenters, Preservers & Scholars. Over Three hundred thousand viewers
in eight cities nationally have enthusiastically welcomed our exhibitions
of rare and authentic African sculpture. We produce superior quality
educational exhibitions of traditional African sculpture that have a contemporary
social relevance. The unifying theme of all our exhibitions is to emphasize
the original intent of African Sculpture as a visual means of perpetuating
values, social order, stability, and ethical cultural continuity.
Therefore, our goal is to target as our audiences, students, children
and families and to instill in them the pride of their artistic heritage and
awareness of centuries old, deeply held beliefs & cultural values. Our
exhibitions have received critical acclaim from the public and scholars alike
and appeared in eight national publications and on numerous television shows.
We invite your organization to host one of our exhibitions & your recommendation
of appropriate sites and contacts. Our African sculpture exhibitions are of
varying sizes and themes & are appropriate for museums, libraries, universities,
galleries, airports and conferences. Our exhibition provides
substantial income opportunities form the sale of our published books, fine
art posters, greeting and post cards.
The price of our exhibitions may include books and sales items and is negotiable,
but must cover shipping, insurance and curatorial services. Herman Bigham
and Associates can provides pedestals, cases, and marketing materials to enhance
your proposals to patrons and funders in your area as well as recommend speakers
for lectures and presentations. We would expect that your organization
would provide aggressive promotion and publicity and offer an opening reception
in order to maximize media coverage and sales.
Our specifications for the display of our largest & most prominent exhibition
“The Majesty of African Motherhood” includes a four-month presentation period
in a highly visible, secure and insured space of approximately 2-3,000 sq.
ft, regular hours.
I am proud to offer you our exhibitions, and I invite you to visit our website
at www.octobergallery.com/bigham/ to view the exhibition materials and commentary
on the exhibition by viewers, scholar and media. Marketing brochures
and a sample contract are available upon request.
Yours truly,
Herman L. Bigham
Renting the exhibitions
Libraries, galleries, museums, colleges, and others with a
public space are encouraged to consider renting the Majesty of African Motherhood
exhibition of approximately 70 rare and authentic carved sculptures from
Central and West Africa along with works by contemporary African American
artists and photographers.
In addition, Herman Bigham and Associates is seeking sites
for other African sculpture exhibitions of varying sizes and themes which,
like the Majesty of African Motherhood, are appropriate for museums, libraries,
universities, galleries, and conferences.
The price of our exhibitions includes related items your organization
can sell. Although negotiable, the price must cover shipping, insurance and
curatorial services. Herman Bigham and Associates provides pedestals and
cases, and we will provide marketing materials to enhance your proposals to
patrons and funders in your area as well as recommend speakers for lectures
and presentations. We would expect that your organization would provide aggressive
promotion and publicity and offer an opening reception in order to maximize
media coverage and sales. The specifications for the display of The Majesty
of African Motherhood include a continuous four month period of installation
in a highly visible, secure and insured space of approximately 2 - 3000 ft,
regular hours and a signed contract.
Agreement for the Exhibition of African
Artifacts
At the____________________________
AGREEMENT made as of the _____ day of ______________, 2002,
between Herman L. Bigham (hereafter referred to as the "Presenter"), located
at 614 N. 32nd Street, Phila. PA. and the -------------------------------------------------
(hereafter referred to as the "Institution") located at ------------------------------------------,
with respect to exhibition of African Artifacts (hereafter referred to as
the "Exhibit")
The Presenter has created and organized an exhibition entitled
"The Majesty of African Motherhood" and has full rights, and agrees to exhibit
it at the ------------ Gallery of the ------------- from ------------------------.
On behalf of our common mission to enhance the artistic, cultural
and literary exposure of African Arts, the Institution will sponsor seminars,
workshops, and cultural activities to highlight the exhibition. With these
goals in mind, the parties agree as follows:
The "Institution" agrees to:
(1) Modify or reimburse the costs of modifying existing exhibit
poster and flyer, and wall exhibit texts, brochures, and case texts advertising
the Exhibit.
(2) Market the exhibit to regional media outlets, news agencies,
Museums, arts Magazines, and add to library website etc., to facilitate reviews
and articles.
(3) Organize and produce opening reception for the Exhibition,
which would include entertainment featuring local African dancers and drummers,
light cuisine, and photo and video documentation, and presentation from Library
executive staff.
(4) Completely insure the Exhibit content during the entire
presentation and transit and submit letter of insurance
verification for the collectors.
(5)
Compensate presenters for (2) two lectures and workshops in the
amount of $250.00 each, and exhibition travel expenses.
(6) Provide volunteer support for the setup and breakdown
of exhibition.
The "Presenter" agrees to:
(01) Supervise and manage packing, unpacking and installation
of the exhibit.
(02) Select all African artifacts and curate exhibit.
(03) Supply our mailing list of arts and media contacts.
(04) Create an artistic, literary and research youth competition.
(05) Support planning for lectures series and workshops.
(06) Supply any information needed to assist in advertising
(photos, resumes, biographies, etc.)
(07) Assist in developing opening reception for Exhibit.
(08) Submit an object identification list noting owners and
insurance value.
(09) Provide speaker for opening for historic commentary on
exhibit.
(10) Provide pedestals and cases for exhibit.
(1) Description of Work and Insurance Value: The Presenter
will provide an object identification list stating the insurance value required
to the Institution. Upon review and acceptance the Institution will provide
proof of insurance for the items in the exhibition for theft, damage, fire,
or other normal perils during packing, transportation, and for the duration
of the exhibit.
(2) Payment: Cost of exhibition is___________, which includes
curating , packing, crating and transportation costs and additional services.
A nonrefundable deposit of 25% will be due as of signing of this contract,
50% ( 3 ) months before exhibition and the balance will be due upon completion
of curatorial services.
(3) Copyright and Reproduction: The Presenter reserves all
reproduction rights.
(4) Attribution: The Presenter shall at all times have the
right to have his or her name appear with the Exhibit and be acknowledged
as the collectors.
(5) Right to Exhibit: The Presenter will organize the initial
Exhibit. During the exhibit the Presenters reserve the rights to modify the
content of the Exhibit and will provide notice of any changes.
(6) Sale of Items: The Presenter will identify any items in
the show that are available for sale and can provide sales items at the
opening reception, public events and gifts shop.
(7) Restoration: In the event of damage to the Exhibit requiring
restoration or repair, the Institution shall provide the Presenter the first
opportunity to restore or repair the Exhibit, and in any case, consult with
the Presenter.
IN
WITNESS WHERE OF the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date first
set above
Presenter_____________________ Institution Herman
L. Bigham The --------------------------------
Payment to be made to: Herman Bigham
614 North 32ND Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
ss# 174-40-5315
Herman Bigham &
Associates
African Arts Preservers & Presenters
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
The unifying theme of all our exhibitions is to emphasize the original intent
of African Sculpture as a visual means of perpetuating social order, stability,
and ethical cultural continuity.
The Majesty of African Motherhood comprises over 90 mother and child images
of superb artistic and cultural merit in wood, bronze and photography. Dr.
Rosalind Jeffries has written a book on the symbolism of maternity sculptures
in African art based on and inspired by our maternity exhibition. This exhibit
has been on view in seven cities nationally. This exhibition is a splendid
example of African sculpture as a means of socialization. We live in
a society where so often relationships between mothers, fathers and children
are distorted and in conflict. Sadly, our children's primary influences have
become television, popular culture and their peers instead of the rich familial
cultural model of our ancestors dating back to ancient Egypt.”
Symbolic Use on Animals in African Sculpture
The Animal We Should Fear is Within Us”
This exhibit begins it’s examination of the theme at the source, and most
revered African civilization ancient Egypt. A section of this exhibit
establishes the cultural unity of Ancient Egypt & West & Central Africa
as demonstrated through shared sculptural forms & belief systems that
emphasize a harmonious relationship between humans & animals. It also
shows how the attributes of animals are symbolically used to communicate standards
of social values & behavior. This exhibit just completed its second
presentation in Philly, were it received viewer acclaim & was presented
on three television programs.
AFRICAN SCULPTURE; SYMBOLS OF CULTURE
This is the second
largest Herman Bigham and Associates exhibition comprising of 25- 40 pieces.
This is a compact exhibition of historically powerful masks, animal and human
figures, and objects of healing and spirituality. Shown is such cities as
NY and Philadelphia, this exhibition has been a lively and awe inspiring
presentation for all of its thousands of viewers.
“African Hair Styles, Culture & Consciousness”, subtitled: “Never a
Bad Hair Day.”
The exhibit reflects the often heard notion expressed by African woman that
see their hair as “problematic and unruly” verses their Crowning Glory.
Many African women subscribe to the pervasive notion that there are so few
styling options available for their natural hair, unless it has been chemically
processed to death. .For many African women their hair, more than anything
else, shows how much they are willing to alter their appearance to be “accepted”
within the western beauty standards. African hairstyles make a powerful cultural
expression of beauty and a political statement against the dominant imposed
culture and an expression of liberation. This exhibit demonstrates the huge
variety of magnificent cultural relevant hairstyle available to African Woman
& their glorious Natural Hair.
FUTURE EXHIBITION
/ WORKSHOP THEMES
Exhibit Bearden, Biggers & Goodnight & The African Sculptural Arts
Aesthetic. An exhibit featuring prominent works from major collections of
the artist’s fine art, African sculpture & sculpture from Herman Bigham
& Associates representing the traditional African Sculptural forms that
influenced him.
“Objects of Spiritual Rhythms; Musical instruments of Africa”
View an assortment of musical instruments from rhythm
drums to ceremonial harps, flutes, and pianos play in traditional African
cultures. This exhibit will have commentary on the ceremonial dances instruments
are used to help evoke the spirit.
“The Royal Art of Africa; Art of Power and Prestige”
View over 50 exquisite pieces of artifacts that depict
status and prestige in African cultures. On display will be chief thrones,
stools, pipes, equestrian figures, spoons, and other items that represent
royalty amongst cultures of Western and Central Africa.
“African Arts influence of Western Modern Art in the 20th
Century”
The exhibit
includes a collection of rare and high quality traditional African artifacts,
along with literature and reference books. Prints from Modern European and
Harlem Renaissance artists are also included in juxtaposition to their African
sculptural influences. An enhancement to the exhibit is provided through
the original paintings from renowned artist David Lawrence whose personal
style “Pyramidism” is also influenced by African art. This exhibit has been
modeled after the collection of Dr. Albert Barnes of the Barnes Foundation,
which illustrates the impact of African art on European classical art.
“The Art of Collecting African Art”(workshop/presentation)
Develop ways of building an art legacy through collecting
paintings, sculpture, and “ways of seeing” the value that art brings to your
life. Art appreciation is acknowledged and understanding how to build an estate
through collecting appreciable assets.
Mathematics and the Science in African Art and Design
This exhibition shows the use of the geometric principles of symmetry for
the description and understanding of decorated forms and patterns. The disciplines
of mathematics and design used in sculpture, textiles, and patterns are illustrated
to show the systematic study of their function and meaning within cultural
context.
African Sculpture: Grace, Art, Serenity
African Sculptural Arts: A visual Means of Cultural Expression and
Retention of African Cultural Values and Social Order
For future exhibitions please email us photos of your spaces, security,
lighting and information, the availability of pedestals and cases, available
time frames and budget info. hermanbigham@aol.com
Thanks for your consideration
of our exhibit. If you are aware of sites in the area that may be available
for our exhibition please contact us. We provide a wide range of African
Sculpture exhibitions, please see our website www.octobergallery.com/bigham.
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