'Inventory: New Works and Conversations Around African Art'

This exhibition features 31 art objects acquired during the young tenure of Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi as the first official curator of African art at Dartmouth’s Hood Museum. The Hood states that “Inventory” is meant to demonstrate the institution’s “renewed and purpose-driven focus on collecting modern and contemporary art in the African collection — works from African artists both in and beyond the continent, as well as non-African artists who address Africa in their practice.” The works span a broad swath of mediums including photography, painting, ceramics and sculpture. Shown here is Cameroon-based Belgian artist Eric van Hove’s “V12 Laraki” (pictured) a Mercedes engine he worked with Moroccan artisans to meticulously reconstruct — with 53 materials, 465 parts and 660 bolts. Exhibited artists include Halida Boughriet, Victor Ekpuk, Lamidi Fakeye, Akin Fakeye, Chike Obeagu, Owusu-Ankomah and Ibrahim El Salahi.