By Okon Ekpenyong, Pictures by Talle Bamazi

Central Ohio, notably Columbus, has an outstanding art scene that seamlessly combines the city’s traditions and innovations with a stunning architectural landscape and prominent institutions. Residents and visitors can explore numerous beautiful galleries throughout the city, including the Short North district in downtown Columbus, which showcases local and international talent through its vibrant street art.

So, no wonder the 2024 Culture Black Fine Art Expo held in Columbus, Ohio, from September 27-29 showcased the work of 27 artists, including six originally from Africa, which was a masterpiece. The Expo, organized by the KBK Foundation, aimed to provide a platform for artists to display their talents and promote a deeper appreciation for Columbus Black Fine Art.

The KBK Foundation supports economic and community development, social services, and the arts. This event was not just an investment but a celebration of traditional and cultural freedom of expression. It aimed to inspire and connect ancestral roots with contemporary voices, asserting traditional excellence and ethical values that enrich the artists’ understanding of their Afrocentric roots.

Bamazi Talle, originally from Togo, was the Expo featured Artist. His iconic “Flying Calabash” piece, inspired by Sam Cooke’s legendary song “A Change Is Gonna Come,” symbolizes transformation and growth through experiences. Talle’s artwork, deeply rooted in Afrocentric themes, honored his ancestors and explored cultural connections between traditional and contemporary concepts.

“Looking at my iconic flying calabash in different colors reveals that our identity is unified by culture but also distinguished by our shades.” This iconic piece conveys a powerful message inspired by the legendary song “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke, suggesting that we all have the potential to transform and grow through our experiences, not only changing ourselves but also impacting the world.”

His life-sized portraits of Columbus-area Black artists were exhibited at the historic Pythian Theater within the King Arts Complex. Kay Onwukwe, a Nigerian architect and Artist, also returned from last year. Onwukwe’s artwork combined Afrocentric elements, lines, and geometrical shapes to convey stories, reflecting his traditional cultural upbringing.

“My designs are infused with Afrocentric elements, drawing inspiration from my traditional cultural upbringing as a youth. Through my art, I convey stories using a combination of lines and geometrical shapes, transforming art into an architectural mindset,” Onwukwe said.

Both Talle and Onwukwe emphasized the strong Afrocentric expression in the artworks showcased at the Expo, highlighting the continued influence of African culture on various art forms on a global scale. The event’s honorary chair was Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley, and the two-time Super Bowl champion Malcolm Jenkins MC the event.

Malcolm, the former NFL, and Ohio State University Football star mentioned that the founder of KBK has a diverse collection of art in his office, which ignited his passion for starting an art collection. Malcolm feels privileged to be able to introduce local artists to the community through this new initiative. “Introducing many artists to the local art scene after traveling worldwide has been truly transformative for individuals and the community,” Jenkins told Good Day Columbus.

Outside football, Malcolm Jenkins also focuses on social justice, supporting initiatives to reform the criminal justice system and improve education. Through his Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, he works on creating programs to guide young people in the right direction, and it’s clear that using art to inspire these youths is one of his strategies.

Commissioner Crawley mentioned on Good Day Columbus that the Franklin County Board of Commissioners contributes over $4 million to the Greater Columbus Arts Council. “It’s lovely to host an event in our backyard to celebrate local and national artists, giving them the recognition and elevation they deserve.”

Other foreign-born artists showcasing their galleries and collectives were Colin Thompson of Zimbabwe, Stuart McLean of Trinidad and Tobago, and Buchi Upjohn of West Africa. Samual Torto Obodae of Ghana and Samuel Abebuga of Nigeria also depict the beauty and pain of their journey through the eyes of a paintbrush.

In a nutshell, the African and Caribbean presence is evident throughout Central Ohio. Some of the international talent work help boast a rich artistic scene, with attractions such as the Columbus Museum of Art, Wexner Center for the Arts, Short North Arts District, Franklinton Arts District, outdoor murals, and public art installations.

The African American local artist community also continuously hosts rotating exhibitions and festivals, infusing the area with an unmistakable Afrocentric vibe.

The Culture Black Fine Art Expo remains committed to showcasing current and future artwork from diverse nationalities. Those who attended the Expo told the New Americans Magazine that the exhibitions range from individual artistic visions to collective works, where artists collaborate and exhibit together, sharing themes, mediums, and artistic movements, thus emphasizing a collective creative expression.

Patsy Thomas, a former member of the Columbus City Council and Franklin County Municipal Court, commended the Culture Black Fine Art Expo organizers. She emphasized that Franklin County and the city of Columbus have consistently supported the local art scene, as it celebrates and preserves the diverse cultural voices and stories of Columbus and its residents.

The Greater Columbus Arts Council Ohio State University recognized the Expo’s significant impact on the local arts community, a testament to the thriving artistic culture in Columbus. Lastly, the event successfully demonstrated an Afrocentric style of expression and established itself as a premier platform for celebrating traditional and cultural excellence through art.

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