"Re…Re-Cycle, Re-Create, Re-Imagine" at the Museum of Biblical Art

"Re…Re-Cycle, Re-Create, Re-Imagine" at MoBiA

A celebration of African independence and creativity, this show of works by Cameroon-born artist Vickie Frémont gives visitors an inspiring view of the great continent. Adhering to the African tradition of recycling natural materials to make something new, Frémont produces art from found objects, just as she saw children do in her homeland. Consisting primarily of puppets, the exhibit may strike kids as a giant playroom, but make sure they realize it's not—the pieces, no matter how enticing, are not meant to be touched. (Little ones yearning for a hands-on experience may want to sign up for the art classes Frémont teaches, in which she focuses on the recycling philosophy.)

"Re…Re-Cycle, Re-Create, Re-Imagine" at MoBiA

Frémont says she makes it a rule never to throw anything away. She uses plastic fruit baskets and bags, scraps of wool, glass bottles and other items to fashion her offbeat works, and they are a sight to behold. Fifty-three androgynous dolls with wire-hanger skeletons hang beautifully from the ceiling, peering out at the atrium and inviting viewers to step inside for a closer look. A large bird's nest is made from supermarket strawberry baskets covered with vivid strips of fabric. The piece’s modest beginnings prove that inspiration really is the gift of the artist, and that’s the point of Frémont’s show: She sees art where others see refuse.

The exhibit coincides with the 15-year anniversary of the end of apartheid in South Africa, and the spirit of independence is palpable in Frémont’s work. The next time you ask your kids to take out the garbage, they may defiantly reply, “But Mom, lots of this stuff could become art!”—Vanessa Friedman

"Re…Re-Cycle, Re-Create, Re-Imagine" is on view at the Museum of Biblical Art through Sept 27.

See more...

• Museums & Sights articles
• Articles from this issue