Situated at the intersection of sculpture and performance, Senga Nengudi’s provocative works reimagine the possibilities for abstract art through an exploration of both the Black female body and the collective practices of community and ritual. A leader of the 1970s Black American avant-garde, Nengudi has built a powerful and innovative body of work rooted in her commitment to collaboration. Featuring sculptures made from everyday materials like pantyhose, water, and air conditioning units, and incorporating archival documentation, video, and sound, the exhibition traces the arc of the artist’s career over the last five decades, celebrating Nengudi as a pioneering artist of our time.
Senga Nengudi: Topologies is composed of more than 70 abstract and conceptual artworks by the internationally recognized artist, a prominent figure of the 1970s Black American avant-garde.
Senga Nengudi, an artist who has always been fascinated with the concepts of collaboration, movement, and improvisation will have works on display in Topologies that include performance art, sculpture, photography and mixed media that primarily utilize found objects such as pantyhose, rubber, foam, water, sand, and machines. Her practice invites viewers to respond to environment, community, and events by connecting them to their own experiences.
This exhibition is open at the Philadelphia Museum of Art through July 25th.
WEST HARLEM ART FUND 